The Bangladesh Premier League’s 12th edition opened its player auction in dramatic fashion, and the first major shock came with the name of Naeem Sheikh. The 26-year-old left-handed opener, listed as an ‘A’ grade player with a base price of 5 million Taka, immediately became the centrepiece of a bidding battle that kept franchises guessing.
What followed was a tense and thrilling competition involving four top franchises: Sylhet Titans, Rangpur Riders, Chattogram Royals, and Noakhali Express. In the end, Chattogram Royals emerged victorious, signing Naeem for a staggering 11 million Taka—a sum that exceeded early expectations. This move signifies the Royals’ intent to inject both firepower and experience at the top of their batting order.
Despite not having consistent success at the international level, Naeem has thrived in domestic cricket. His performances in the previous BPL season established him as one of the league’s most reliable batters. With this signing, the Royals aim to harness Naeem’s domestic dominance and provide him with a platform to reclaim his national team form.
Soon after, the auction spotlight shifted to another opener, Bangladesh captain Liton Das. Fresh from a scintillating fifty against Ireland in the second T20I, Liton was expected to ignite a bidding frenzy. Yet, in a surprise twist, he was acquired by Rangpur Riders for 7 million Taka without facing major competition.
These developments underline the strategic approach franchises are adopting in this year’s BPL. With marquee local players like Naeem and Liton already secured, teams are aiming to create squads that balance proven talent with emerging prospects. The early moves suggest that this season’s BPL will be highly competitive and full of surprises.