BPL revives auction system after 12 years

The players' auction is set to return to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after a 12-year hiatus, with the BPL Governing Council confirming November 23 as the auction date.

The first two editions of the BPL, held in 2012 and 2013, featured an auction system. However, the following nine editions adopted a players' draft format.

Five franchises -- Dhaka Capitals, Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Titans -- will take part in the 12th edition of the franchise-based T20 league.

In a statement, the BPL Governing Council said:

"Organised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the BPL Governing Council, this year's auction will mark the beginning of a new franchise ownership cycle, introducing a restructured and transparent bidding process designed to align the BPL with international T20 franchise standards."

According to the press release, franchise bids will range from BDT 50,000 to BDT 5,00,000 across six local player categories and from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 across five overseas categories.

Each franchise must recruit at least 11 local players and a minimum of two overseas players through the auction. Teams may also directly sign up to two local players from Category A or B prior to the auction.

The local player purse has been set at BDT 4.5 crore (excluding the two direct signings), while the overseas purse stands at USD 350,000 (including direct signings).

Franchises will be allowed to register or replace overseas players during the tournament, subject to BPL Governing Council approval. Teams can field a minimum of two and a maximum of four overseas players in the playing XI.