The Bengal Pro T20 League underlined its expanding commitment to women’s cricket as franchises spent close to Rs. 88 lakhs at the women’s auction before the 2026 season.
Mita Paul became the highest-valued player with a bid of INR 3 lakh.
From the U-15 category, 13-year-old Ariktha Manna received the biggest bid, going for INR 1.55 lakh.
The inaugural women’s auction of the Bengal Pro T20 League was held in Kolkata on May 11, with experienced cricketer Mita Paul finishing as the top-valued player at INR 3 lakh. Two-time champions Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers used their RTM (Right to Match) card to keep her in the squad, a move that came as little surprise. She had captained them to the title in both earlier editions, and the franchise will now look to complete a hat-trick with the same leader. As a result, there was no real doubt about them matching the INR 3 lakh bid.
The auction was held in the presence of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly, former India Women cricketer and legend Jhulan Goswami, and several other association dignitaries. The players were placed in three groups, each with a separate base price.
The A+ category had a base price of INR 50,000, while the A category began at INR 30,000. Players listed in the B category carried a base price of INR 20,000. Each franchise had an INR 11 lakh purse and was required to assemble a 16-member squad. Of those 16 players, two had to be from the U-15 category, reflecting the league’s focus on giving young cricketers a prominent stage early in their development.
Ahead of the auction, teams were told that two high-profile players would be unavailable for the coming season. India wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh had communicated her unavailability, while Bengal pacer Titas Sadhu is undergoing rehab as she recovers from injury.
Several other prominent players, however, drew strong interest from franchises. Dhara Gujjar, who had earlier led Adamas Howrah Warriors, will now play for the newly-introduced franchise Novus Purulia Royals after being bought for INR 2.85 lakh.
Murshidabad Queens used their RTM card to re-sign key batter Tanusree Sarkar for INR 2.35 lakh. Tanusree has regularly delivered for Bengal and other sides whenever she has received chances. Saika Ishaque, who brings notable experience from the WPL, the India setup, and Bengal cricket, was bought by Sobisco Smashers Malda for INR 1.65 lakh.
Adamas Howrah Warriors paid INR 2.05 lakh for Sujata Dey and INR 1.20 lakh for spin-bowling all-rounder Shreyoshi Aich. The franchise also activated its RTM card to retain wicketkeeper-batter Ankita Chakraborty after Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers showed interest in her.
In the U-15 pool, 13-year-old Ariktha Manna earned a bid of INR 1.55 lakh from Rashmi Medinipur Wizards. Adamas also secured 14-year-old Protistha Dutta for INR 32,000.
Saumya Subhra Roy, another important member of the Adamas setup, discussed the franchise’s approach for the new season and the adjustment required after two years of drafts before moving into an auction format.
“It’s a very new experience for us. During the draft, we had a certain strategy and approach already in our mind. But for the auction, it’s a completely new ball game for all of us,” he said.
“However, we are quite happy with the team that we have formed so far. The players whom we were keen on, we managed to get. This time, the aim has always been to build a balanced team rather than focusing on one or two stars. So, we are looking to do well but, most importantly, as a team, we would like to enjoy and perform together this time around.”
Top 10 picks from the Bengal Pro T20 League Women’s Auction
Mita Paul – INR 3 lakh (RTM) – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers
Dhara Gujjar – INR 2.85 lakh – Novus Purulia Royals
Tanusree Sarkar – INR 2.35 lakh (RTM) – Murshidabad Kueens
Priyanka Bala – INR 2.25 lakh (RTM) – Servotech Siliguri Strikers
Prativa Rana – INR 2.15 lakh (RTM) – Murshidabad Kueens
Hrishita Basu – INR 2.10 lakh – Rashmi Medinipur Wizards
Piyali Ghosh – INR 2.10 lakh (RTM) – Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers
Sujata Dey – INR 2.05 lakh – Adamas Howrah Warriors
Prativa Mandi – INR 2.05 lakh – Sobisco Smashers Malda
Trishita Sarkar – INR 2.05 lakh – Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers
