How the BPL 2026 Auction Will Work — and How Player Prices Will Rise

The 2026 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to reintroduce the player auction system, marking a return to a more competitive and transparent player recruitment process. The BPL Governing Council has finalised the auction policy, including base prices for players across categories, and circulated it among the five franchises for review. Once feedback is received and approved by 21 November, the policy will be formally announced.

🏏 Local Players’ Auction Framework

The highest category for local cricketers, Category A, will carry a base price of BDT 50 lakh, with bids increasing by BDT 5 lakh at each call. Players will be divided into six categories, each representing varying skill levels and experience.

Each franchise must pick at least 13 local players from the auction. Additionally, they may sign a maximum of two local players directly (from Category A or B) prior to the auction. No team may register more than 16 Bangladeshi players in total.

The maximum budget for local players is BDT 4.5 crore per team. However, the fees for directly signed players will not be counted within this cap.

🌍 Foreign Players’ Auction Framework

For overseas cricketers, Category A will start at a base price of USD 35,000, with bid increments of USD 5,000. There will be five categories for international players.

Each franchise can register as many overseas players as they wish but must buy a minimum of two through the auction. In match-day squads, teams must field at least two and no more than four foreign players.

The team budget cap for foreign players is USD 350,000, which includes directly signed players. Franchises may sign up to two international players directly before the auction. No team will be allowed to exceed the assigned financial limits.

✍️ Direct Signing Rules

Before the auction, franchises may sign:

Up to two Bangladeshi players (from A or B category)

Between one and two overseas players

All direct signings must be approved by the BPL Governing Council before being made official.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Composition Guidelines

Each franchise will be permitted a maximum of 22 members, including players, coaches, and officials.

A maximum of 12 staff members (including the head coach, manager, and analysts) can be officially registered.

💰 Payment Schedule and Contract Terms

Franchises will be required to pay players in three instalments, as follows:

All payments must be made on time, with tax deductions as per National Board of Revenue (NBR) regulations.

Teams must submit their final squad list to the BPL Governing Council within 24 hours of the auction’s conclusion.

Every player’s contract will follow a standard tripartite agreement issued by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The return of the auction format is expected to make BPL 2026 more dynamic and competitive. Analysts suggest that this structure will not only encourage fair player valuation but also create greater opportunities for emerging Bangladeshi talents to earn recognition and financial rewards on a larger stage.

Khaborwala/SJ