Mita Paul was retained by Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers retaining through RTM. | Photo Credit: Mita Paul/Instagram

The Bengal T20 League completed its inaugural auction with franchises spending over Rs. 4.5 crore across their men’s and women’s teams.

More than 250 players secured contracts from an auction pool of over 1000 cricketers ahead of the 2026 season.

Across the two auctions, franchises completed 136 player signings in the men’s and 128 player signings in the women’s teams. Every men’s franchise assembled a 17-player squad with the mandatory inclusion of at least two Under-19 players. In comparison, every women’s team completed a 16-player squad featuring at least two U-15 players.

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A day after India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed emerged as the most expensive player at Rs. 12.20 lakh after being retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers through RTM, Mita Paul became the highest-valued player in the women’s auction at Rs. 3 lakh, with Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers retaining her through RTM.

Ariktha Manna, 13, emerged as one of the standout young talents at the auction after being picked for Rs. 1.55 lakh by Rashmi Medinipur Wizards (0.30L base price). Franchises collectively spent nearly Rs. 88 lakh in the Women’s Auction alone.

The auctions also marked the continued expansion of the Bengal T20 League ecosystem, with Novus Purulia Royals joining Adamas Howrah Warriors, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Murshidabad Kueens, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda for the upcoming season.

Published on May 11, 2026