Shanaka becomes the most expensive foreign player in BPL

The 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is scheduled to start on 26 December, provided everything goes as planned. The tournament auction was held on Sunday.

Among local players, the spotlight was on the irregular national team opener Naim Sheikh. Having scored the highest runs in the last season, Chattogram acquired him for BDT 1.10 crore. His base price was BDT 50 lakh.

Among foreign players, former Sri Lankan captain and star all-rounder Dasun Shanaka was the most expensive. Dhaka Capitals signed him for USD 55,000, equivalent to BDT 67 lakh.

Category ‘A’ Sri Lankan players Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella were acquired by Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans at their base price of USD 35,000.

Among uncapped players, Habibur Rahman Sohan was the talk of the town. For his impressive performance in the Asia Cup Rising Stars for Bangladesh ‘A’, Noakhali Express signed him for BDT 50 lakh. His base price was BDT 18 lakh.

This is the first BPL auction since the inaugural season in 2012. Subsequent editions formed teams through drafts.

Six teams will compete this season—Dhaka Capitals, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriors, Noakhali Express, Sylhet Titans, and Chattogram Royals.

KhaborwalaAJ