BPL shifts back to auction model after a decade of drafts
The Bangladesh Premier League is set to reintroduce a player auction for the first time since 2013, ending a 12-year run under the player draft system. The BPL Governing Council has officially confirmed that the auction for the 12th edition will take place on November 23, marking a significant change in how teams build their squads.
Five franchises — Dhaka Capitals, Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Titans — will take part in the revamped process aimed at improving parity and professionalism across the league.
The return of the auction comes as part of a broader structural overhaul.
“Organized 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,” the BCB said in a statement.
Local and overseas player categories, salary bands revealed
Under the new rules, as per the press release, local players will be grouped into six categories, with Category A cricketers carrying a base price of BDT 50 lakh (approx. US$41K). Bid increments will be set at BDT 5 lakh (approx. US$4.1K).
Overseas players will be slotted into five categories, with the top-tier players starting at USD 35,000, and subsequent bids increasing by USD 5,000 per call.
Each team can directly sign up to two Bangladeshi players from Category A or B, and one or two foreign players before the auction — subject to BPL Governing Council approval. These signings fall outside the auction pool and are excluded from the salary cap calculations.
Squad size rules and salary cap limits imposed
Each team must buy at least 11 local players through the auction, and can have a maximum of 15 in their squad. Franchises are required to acquire at least two foreign players through the auction, although they are allowed to register or replace overseas players during the tournament with approval.
The local player budget for each team is capped at BDT 4.5 crore (approx. US$369K) — excluding direct signings. Meanwhile, the foreign player budget, including direct contracts, is limited to USD 350,000.
During matches, teams can field a minimum of two and a maximum of four overseas players in their playing XI.
Auction structure, payments, and compliance details
The auction will unfold in two phases — beginning with local players and followed by overseas players. Teams must submit their final squad lists within 24 hours of the auction’s conclusion.
Payment to players will be processed in three instalments:
- 25% at the time of signing
- 55% before the team’s final league game
- Remaining 20% within 30 days of the tournament’s end
All financial transactions will be governed by National Board of Revenue (NBR) tax rules. Additionally, all player contracts will follow the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s tripartite agreement format, ensuring uniformity and enforceability.
The return of the auction marks a major structural shift for the BPL, aimed at restoring competitive balance, attracting more global talent, and elevating the tournament’s standing in the international franchise cricket ecosystem.
