The Bengal Pro T20 League reinforced its growing investment in women’s cricket after franchises spent nearly Rs. 88 lakhs during the women’s auction ahead of the 2026 season.
Conducted as part of the league’s expanding franchise structure, the auction saw more than 1000 cricketers enter the overall player pool across men’s and women’s categories, with 128 women players eventually securing contracts for the upcoming tournament.
All-rounder Mita Paul emerged as the most expensive player in the women’s auction after being retained by Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers for Rs. 3 lakhs through the Right to Match (RTM) card. The experienced Bengal cricketer headlines a list of increasingly valuable domestic women’s players as franchises continue to invest more heavily in the competition.
Dhara Gujjar secured the second-highest bid after joining Novus Purulia Royals for Rs. 2.85 lakh. Tanushree Sarkar remained with Murshidabad Kueens for Rs. 2.35 lakh through RTM, while Priyanka Bala stayed with Servotech Siliguri Strikers for Rs. 2.25 lakh. Murshidabad Kueens also retained Prativa Rana for Rs. 2.15 lakh, while Hrishita Basu moved to Rashmi Medinipur Wizards for Rs. 2.10 lakh.
Piyali Ghosh was retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers for Rs. 2.10 lakh, while Sujata Dey joined Adamas Howrah Warriors for Rs. 2.05 lakh. Two more players crossed the Rs. 2 lakh mark, with Under-19 cricketer Prativa Mandi signing for Sobisco Smashers Malda for Rs. 2.05 lakh, while Trishita Sarkar joined Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers for the same amount.
A major feature of the auction was the focus on emerging talent and grassroots development. Every franchise was required to include at least two Under-15 cricketers in their 16-player squads, ensuring pathways for younger players into franchise cricket.
Thirteen-year-old Ariktha Manna became one of the standout stories of the auction after being picked up by Rashmi Medinipur Wizards for Rs. 1.55 lakh despite entering with a base price of only Rs. 30,000. Other notable Under-15 signings included Debasmita Khalsa to Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers for Rs. 65,000, Manushri Rajak to Rashmi Medinipur Wizards for Rs. 50,000, Sneha Mahato to Servotech Siliguri Strikers for Rs. 48,000, and Saikh Athiana to Sobisco Smashers Malda for Rs. 40,000.
Additional youth signings included Tanisha Das to Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers for Rs. 34,000 and Protistha Dutta joining Adamas Howrah Warriors for Rs. 32,000, while 13-year-old Piyali Roy was picked up by Novus Purulia Royals for Rs. 30,000.
The league, organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal, continues to expand its footprint in women’s domestic cricket.
CAB Honorary Secretary Bablu Kolay 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.”
The 2026 women’s competition, beginning in June will feature eight teams, including new franchise Novus Purulia Royals alongside Adamas Howrah Warriors, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Murshidabad Kueens, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers and Sobisco Smashers Malda.
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