Key points
- Ihsanullah signed by Noakhali Express for USD 28,000
- Haider Ali and Jahandad Khan join BPL for USD 20,000
- Six Pakistani players directly signed before BPL 2025-26 auction
DHAKA: Pakistan’s rising pacer Ihsanullah, all-rounder Jahandad Khan, and middle-order batter Haider Ali attracted bids at the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 auction, held on Sunday.
Ihsanullah, who has represented Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is, secured the highest bid, being signed by Noakhali Express for USD 28,000 in Category C for foreign players.
Previously signed by Rangpur Riders, Ihsanullah had not played a single match for the franchise.
The new franchise also signed Haider Ali, who has made 37 international appearances, for USD 20,000 in the same category. Haider has some experience in the BPL, having played 13 matches, scoring 213 runs at an average of 26.62, with a best score of 48 not out.
In addition, Jahandad Khan, who has represented Pakistan in eight T20Is since making his debut against Australia last November, was picked up by Durbar Rajshahi for USD 20,000 in the same category.
Other Pakistani cricketers
The trio will join six other Pakistani cricketers – Saim Ayub, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, and Sahibzada Farhan – who were directly signed by various franchises ahead of the auction, which took place after 12 years.
Dhaka Capitals directly signed Usman Khan, while the newly rebranded Chattogram Royals picked up Abrar Ahmed.
Sylhet Titans acquired Saim Ayub alongside Mohammad Amir, while Rangpur Riders secured young wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay. Rajshahi Warriors signed emerging top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan.
This season, the tournament will feature five teams, down from seven last year.
Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders remain from the 2024-25 season, while Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet have undergone ownership changes.
As a result, Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, and Sylhet Strikers have exited the league, while the newly rebranded Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Sylhet Titans have joined.
Defending champions Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers will not participate this season.
