Mohammad Naim Sold to Royals for Tk 1.1 Crore in BPL Auction

The Bangladesh Premier League 2026 players auction ended with a major headline when Mohammad Naim emerged as the most expensive local cricketer. The newly introduced franchise Chattogram Royals secured him for Tk 1.10 crore after intense bidding among several teams. Naim was originally listed in Category A with a base price of Tk 50 lakh. Yet his value quickly surged as the auction room heated up and the franchise owners showed strong interest in securing a dependable top order batter.

The price tag makes Naim the only Bangladeshi player to cross the one crore mark in this year’s auction and highlights the growing trend of valuing recent performance over long-established reputation.

Why Mohammad Naim Became the Auction Highlight

Naim’s exceptional run in the previous BPL season

Naim entered this year’s auction in outstanding form. In the previous BPL campaign, he scored a total of 511 runs which placed him at the top of the run scoring chart among local players. He produced those runs with a healthy strike rate and showed the ability to anchor innings while maintaining aggression when needed. His performance provided clarity for the franchises. They saw him as a consistent and reliable opening batter who can deliver under pressure, especially in powerplay situations where a strong start is essential.

A perfect fit for Chattogram Royals

As a new franchise stepping into the BPL for the first time, Chattogram Royals needed a strong opener around whom they could design the rest of their batting order. Naim’s left handed approach, his aggression in the early overs and his ability to build partnerships made him a valuable target. The franchise wanted a long term asset rather than a short term star. Their decision to spend more than double the base price shows their commitment to building a competitive, balanced squad for the season ahead.

Changing Patterns in the BPL Auction

Naim’s auction success reflects the changing nature of franchise cricket in Bangladesh. The 2026 BPL auction offered several clear signals about the priorities of team owners and the evolving mindset of franchise management.

Many teams placed more value on recent performance instead of relying solely on reputation and experience. Young or mid career domestic players received far more attention than many of the seasoned names who once dominated the auction floor. The rise of new franchises also added to the competitiveness of the bidding process and increased the interest in high performing domestic talents.

The financial reward given to Naim is an indicator that local cricketers now have greater opportunity to earn based on merit. This is likely to encourage more young players to focus on consistent domestic performances since the auction has become a stage where form matters more than status.

Other Surprises and Highlights from the BPL Auction

While Naim was the biggest headline of the day, there were many other notable outcomes during the auction. Towhid Hridoy stood out as another local success story. He was listed in Category B with a base price of Tk 35 lakh, but he eventually sold for Tk 92 lakh.

On the other hand, the auction produced some unexpected results regarding senior players. Both Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad remained unsold in the first round of their category. Their absence from the early picks indicates that franchises are looking to prioritize players with current form rather than past achievements. Liton Das, a Category A player, received a price of Tk 70 lakh which is lower than expected. This comparison with Naim demonstrates a clear shift toward valuing steady domestic performances.

Overall the auction results suggest that the BPL is entering a new phase where data driven decision making and performance based evaluation play a major role in shaping team strategy.

What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket

A positive push for domestic players

The auction sends a strong message to local cricketers. Consistency and hard work at the domestic level can now translate directly into higher earnings and greater opportunities. This creates a healthy competitive environment where young talents have strong motivation to perform.

Strengthening the quality of BPL squads

By focusing on current form, franchises are likely to build more balanced and effective teams. Local performers like Naim and Hridoy allow teams to reduce dependence on overseas stars and develop strong domestic cores. This can ultimately improve the standard of cricket in the league and enhance its reputation across South Asia.

A challenge for senior players

Veteran cricketers who depend on long standing reputations might now feel pressure to refine their form and competitiveness. The auction results indicate that teams are less willing to invest heavily in older players unless they are delivering consistently. This shift could lead to increased performance intensity at the domestic level.

Expectations for Naim and the Chattogram Royals

While the price tag is a major achievement for Naim, it also brings additional responsibility. Fans and analysts will expect him to be one of the main contributors in the Royals’ batting lineup. He will have to perform regularly, especially in high pressure games. The franchise will also depend on his ability to provide powerful starts and build strong foundations for the rest of the innings.

For Chattogram Royals, the challenge now will be squad building. They will need to surround Naim with skilled openers, middle order anchors, pace bowlers and all rounders who can complement his strengths. A strong support group will determine whether their significant investment results in on field success.

A Story With Global Resonance

The BPL auction reflects broader trends seen across top international franchise tournaments such as the IPL, the CPL and the SA20. Younger cricketers who show consistent domestic performance are becoming extremely valuable in league cricket. The bidding war for Mohammad Naim aligns with similar trends where teams prioritize players with current momentum and long term potential.

How BPL Teams stand after the auction

Dhaka Capitals

Directly signed local players: Taskin Ahmed, Saif Hassan

Directly signed foreign players: Alex Hales (England), Usman Khan (Pakistan)

Local players bought from the auction: Shamim Hossain (Tk 56 lakh), Mohammad Saifuddin (Tk 68 lakh), Mohammad Mithun (Tk 52 lakh), Taijul Islam (Tk 30 lakh), Sabbir Rahman (Tk 28 lakh), Nasir Hossain (Tk 18 lakh), Tofayel Ahmed (Tk 18 lakh), Irfan Shukkur (Tk 18 lakh), Abdullah Al Mamun (Tk 14 lakh), Maruf Mridha (Tk 14 lakh), Jayed Ullah (Tk 11 lakh) and Moinul Islam (Tk 11 lakh)

Foreign players bought from the auction: Dasun Shanaka ($55,000) and Zubaid Akbari ($20,000)

Rangpur Riders

Directly signed local players: Mustafizur Rahman, Nurul Hasan Sohan

Directly signed foreign players: Khawaza Nafay, Sufiyan Muqeem

Local players bought from the auction: Litton Das (Tk 70 lakh), Tawhid Hridoy (Tk 92 lakh), Nahid Rana (Tk 56 lakh), Rakibul Hasan (Tk 42 lakh), Aliss Al Islam (Tk 28 lakh), Mrittunjoy Chowdhury (Tk 18 lakh), Nayeem Hasan (Tk 18 lakh), Kamrul Islam Rabbi (Tk 18 lakh), Iftakhar Hossain Ifti (Tk 14 lakh), Mehedi Hasan Sohag (Tk 11 lakh), Mahmudullah (Tk 35 lakh) and Abdul Halim (Tk 11 lakh)

Foreign players bought from the auction: Emilio Gay ($10,000) and Muhammad Akhlaq ($10,000).

Chattogram Royals

Directly signed local players: Shak Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam

Directly signed foreign players: Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)

Local players bought from the auction: Mohammad Naim (Tk 1.10 crore), Shoriful Islam (Tk 44 lakh), Abu Hider Rony (Tk 22 lakh), Mahmudul Hasan Joy (Tk 37 lakh), Mahfijul Islam Robin (Tk 22 lakh), Sumon Khan (Tk 32 lakh), Ziaur Rahman (Tk 30 lakh), Arafat Sunny (Tk 18 lakh), Mukidul Islam Mugdho (Tk 33 lakh), Salman Hossain (Tk 14 lakh), Shuvagata Hom (Tk 14 lakh) and Zahiduzzaman Khan Sagor (Tk 11 lakh)

Foreign players bought from the auction: Niroshan Dickwella ($35,000) and Angelo Perera ($20,000)

Noakhali Express

Directly signed local players: Soumya Sarkar, Hasan Mahmud

Directly signed foreign players: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka), Johnson Charles (West Indies)

Local players bought from the auction: Jaker Ali Anik (Tk 35 lakh), Mahidul Islam Ankon (Tk 35 lakh), Habibur Rahman Sohan (Tk 50 lakh), Nazmul Islam Apu (Tk 18 lakh), Abu Hasim (Tk 18 lakh), Musfik Hasan (Tk 18 lakh), Shahadat Hossain Dipu (Tk 18 lakh), Rejaur Rahman Raja (Tk 18 lakh), Mehedi Hasan Rana (Tk 14 lakh), Shykat Ali (Tk 14 lakh),  Sabbir Hosan (Tk 14 lakh) and Rahmatullah Ali (Tk 11 lakh)

Foreign players bought from the auction: Ihsanullah ($28,000) and Haider Ali ($20,000)

Sylhet Titans

Directly signed local players: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed

Directly signed foreign players: Mohammad Amir (Pakistan), Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

Local players bought from the auction: Parvez Hossain Emon (Tk 35 lakh), Syed Khaled Ahmed (Tk 47 lakh), Afif Hossain (Tk 22 lakh), Rony Talukdar (Tk 22 lakh), Zakir Hasan (Tk 22 lakh), Ruyel Miah (Tk 23 lakh), Ariful Islam (Tk 26 lakh), Ebadot Hossain (Tk 22 lakh), Shohidul Islam (Tk 14 lakh), Rahatul Ferdous Javed (Tk 14 lakh), Tawfique Khan Tushar (Tk 14 lakh) and Mominul Haque (Tk 22 lakh)

Foreign players bought from the auction: Angelo Mathews ($35,000) and Aaron Jones ($20,000)

Rajshahi Warriors:

Directly signed local players: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto

Directly signed foreign players: Mohammad Nawaz Sahibzada Farhan, Binura Fernando

Local players bought from the auction: Tanzim Hasan Sakib (Tk 65 lakh), Yasir Ali (Tk 44 lakh), Akbar Ali (Tk 34 lakh), Ripon Mondol (Tk 25 lakh), Jishan Alam (Tk 18 lakh), Hasan Murad (Tk 18 lakh), Abdul Gaffar Saqlain (Tk 44 lakh), SM Meherob Hasan (Tk 39 lakh), Robiul Haque (Tk 19 lakh), Wasi Siddiquee (Tk19 lakh), Mohammad Rubel (Tk 11 lakh), Shakir Hossain Shuvo (Tk11 lakh) and Mushfiqur Rahim (Tk 35 lakh)

Foreign players bought from the auction: Dushan Hemantha ($25,000) and Jahandad Khan ($20,000)