After a hiatus of more than a decade, the much-anticipated players’ auction is set to make a spectacular return to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the BPL Governing Council jointly confirmed on Wednesday that the auction will take place at a prestigious Dhaka hotel on 23 November 2025. The move signals a fresh chapter for the franchise-based T20 competition, which has grown into one of the most-watched cricket leagues in South Asia.
The BPL first experimented with an auction format during its inaugural two seasons in 2012 and 2013. However, organisers switched to a players’ draft system for the next nine editions to simplify player selection. Now, in a major overhaul, the league is returning to the traditional bidding model, promising increased excitement, transparency, and alignment with global T20 franchise standards.
Five prominent franchises will participate in this year’s auction: Dhaka Capitals, Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Titans. Each franchise will have the opportunity to secure top local and international talent through a structured bidding process designed to maintain fairness and competitive balance.
“This year’s auction marks the beginning of a new franchise ownership cycle,” stated the BCB. “It introduces a clear and transparent system that will ensure the BPL aligns with the standards of leading international T20 leagues, making it more attractive to global players and fans alike.”
Key details of the new system include: local players divided into six categories, overseas players into five, and a base price for local ‘A’ category players set at BDT 50 lakh, with top overseas players starting at USD 35,000. Teams can sign a minimum of 11 local and two foreign players, while the final squad can include between two and four overseas players in the playing XI. The auction will also follow strict tax compliance with the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
The auction will occur in two distinct phases: local players first, followed by international stars. All contracts will be formalised through the BCB’s tripartite agreement, guaranteeing fairness and accountability.
Industry insiders predict that this revival of the auction system will inject fresh energy into the BPL, attract more international talent, and significantly boost fan engagement both in Bangladesh and abroad. With global attention on the league, this auction promises to redefine the future of Bangladeshi T20 cricket.
