As anticipation builds for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction on 16 December, cricket enthusiasts were treated to an exciting prelude courtesy of a mock auction organised by former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Broadcast live on Ashwin’s YouTube channel, the auction allowed fans to witness how top players might fare in a competitive bidding scenario, and it was Bangladeshi pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman who emerged as one of the highlights.
The left-arm fast bowler, affectionately known as “The Fizz,” entered the mock auction with a base price of ₹2 crore. However, the bidding war quickly escalated, with Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore vying for his services. Ultimately, Bangalore secured Mustafizur for a staggering ₹3.5 crore, well above his initial valuation, signalling his immense value in the T20 circuit.
The official IPL auction will also list Mustafizur at the same base price of ₹2 crore, alongside six other talented Bangladeshi cricketers aiming to make their mark in the world’s most popular T20 league.
| Cricketer | Base Price (INR) | Notes |
| Mustafizur Rahman | ₹2 crore | Mock auction sold for ₹3.5 crore |
| Taskin Ahmed | ₹1.5 crore | Prominent fast bowler |
| Rishad Hossain | ₹50 lakh | Left-handed batting all-rounder |
| Tanzim Hasan Sakib | ₹20 lakh | Promising all-rounder |
| Shariful Islam | ₹20 lakh | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Rakibul Hasan | ₹20 lakh | Middle-order batsman |
| Nahid Rana | ₹20 lakh | Emerging pace talent |
Ravichandran Ashwin commented on the event: “The mock auction is a fun and engaging way for fans to anticipate the IPL. It gives insight into which players might attract intense bidding wars. Mustafizur’s performance and reputation made him a clear favourite, and the excitement on the bidding table was remarkable.”
This mock auction not only highlighted Mustafizur’s rising prominence but also showcased the growing influence of Bangladeshi cricketers in international T20 leagues. With Bangalore’s aggressive bidding strategy now public, fans eagerly await the official auction to see where these seven Bangladeshi players will ultimately land.
The mock event, with its high stakes and competitive fervour, underscores the increasing commercial value of players from Bangladesh. Mustafizur’s ₹3.5 crore “sale” has set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling auction, reaffirming that Bangladeshi cricketers are no longer just participants but key contenders in global T20 cricket.