Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 1st December 2025, 3:48 AM
Every BPL auction produces a handful of compelling stories—unexpected bidding wars, rising stars, and remarkable transformations. This year, the most captivating narrative centred around Habibur Rahman, a young opener whose explosive batting has thrust him into the limelight and earned him a lucrative contract worth fifty lakh taka.
What unfolded at the auction was the culmination of months of consistent, fearless batting. Habibur entered the event as a Category D player with a base price of only eighteen lakh. Yet teams were well aware of his recent exploits. Noakhali Express, determined not to miss out, secured him after a heated contest that reflected his growing reputation.
The primary force behind his soaring valuation is his record-breaking century in the Rising Stars Asia Cup. Playing for Bangladesh A, he hammered a 35-ball hundred against Hong Kong China—now officially the fastest T20 century ever recorded by a Bangladeshi cricketer. The milestone shattered Parvez Hossain’s previous record of 42 balls and instantly placed Habibur in national headlines.
His Asia Cup campaign was rich with contributions. He struck a vital 65 against India A in the semi-final and finished the tournament with 228 runs in just five matches, averaging 57. His strike rate—an extraordinary 182.40—stood as evidence of his attacking instincts. With 21 sixes, he was the tournament’s second-highest six-hitter.
Habibur’s journey has also been shaped by his performances in domestic competitions. In the NCL T20 League, he delivered back-to-back seasons of consistent hitting, scoring 218 runs at a strike rate above 183 one year and adding 259 runs with 17 sixes the next. His ability to clear the ropes regularly has made him one of the most exciting young hitters in the country.
Yet his BPL numbers tell a different story. In his previous 14 matches, he managed just 128 runs and struggled to cement his place in the starting XI. Despite this, franchises recognised his growth and current form—an indicator that his past BPL struggles might soon become irrelevant.
This season presents a fresh chapter. With a historic century under his belt and the backing of a franchise willing to invest heavily in his potential, Habibur enters the BPL with renewed self-belief. If he discovers his rhythm early, Noakhali Express could reap significant rewards, and the league itself may witness the emergence of its newest superstar.
Khaborwala/SJ
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