Kolkata : The Bengal T20 League completed its biggest-ever player auction with franchises spending over ₹4.5 crore across their Men’s and Women’s teams.
Across the two auctions, franchises completed 136 player signings in the Men’s and 128 player signings in the Women’s team. Every Men’s franchise assembled a 17-player squad with the mandatory inclusion of at least two U19 players. In comparison, every Women’s team completed a 16-player squad featuring at least two U15 players, strengthening the league’s focus on long-term grassroots development.
The Women’s Auction also witnessed strong investments across marquee and youth categories, with more than 10 players crossing the ₹2 lakh mark, while all players in the A+ category were successfully picked by franchises (leaving no player unsold in the category). This reflects the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s cricket in Bengal. Mita Paul became the highest-valued player in the Women’s Auction at ₹3 lakh, with Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers retaining her through RTM. while 13-year-old Ariktha Manna emerged as one of the standout young talents at the auction after being picked for ₹1.55 lakh by Rashmi Medinipur Wizards (0.30L base price). Franchises collectively spent nearly ₹88 lakh in the Women’s Auction alone.
Mr Bablu Kolay, Honorary Secretary, Cricket Association of Bengal, said, “The enthusiasm and participation witnessed across both auction days reflect the growing excitement around the Bengal T20 League and the opportunities it continues to create for players across Bengal. The league continues to strengthen its vision of creating a competitive platform for established cricketers while also investing in the next generation of talent across age-group categories.”
Women’s Auction – Top 10 Highest Picks
● Mita Paul – ₹3 lakh (RTM) – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers
● Dhara Gujjar – ₹2.85 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals
● Tanushree Sarkar – ₹2.35 lakh (RTM) – Murshidabad Kueens
● Priyanka Bala – ₹2.25 lakh (RTM) – Servotech Siliguri Strikers
● Prativa Rana – ₹2.15 lakh (RTM) – Murshidabad Kueens
● Hrishita Basu – ₹2.10 lakh – Rashmi Medinipur Wizards
● Piyali Ghosh – ₹2.10 lakh (RTM) – Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers
● Sujata Dey – ₹2.05 lakh – Adamas Howrah Warriors
● Prativa Mandi (U19) – ₹2.05 lakh – Sobisco Smashers Malda
● Trishita Sarkar – ₹2.05 lakh – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers
*Biggest U15 & Emerging Talent Picks*
● Ariktha Manna (13 years, U15) – ₹1.55 lakh – Rashmi Medinipur Wizards
● Debasmita Khalsa (14 years, U15) – ₹0.65 lakh – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers
● Manushri Rajak (14 years, U15) – ₹0.50 lakh – Rashmi Medinipur Wizards
● Sneha Mahato (14 years, U15) – ₹0.48 lakh – Servotech Siliguri Strikers
● Saikh Athiana (14 years, U15) – ₹0.40 lakh – Sobisco Smashers Malda
● Tanisha Das (14 years, U15) – ₹0.34 lakh – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers
● Protistha Dutta (14 years, U15) – ₹0.32 lakh – Adamas Howrah Warriors
● Piyali Roy (13 years, U15) – ₹0.30 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals
