Haider, Jahandad, Ihsanullah Grab Spotlight in BPL Auction

News Desk

Dhaka:  Three Pakistani cricketers — emerging pacer Ihsanullah, all-rounder Jahandad Khan and middle-order batter Haider Ali — secured contracts at the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025–26 auction held on Sunday.

Ihsanullah drew the highest bid among the trio, as the newly formed Noakhali Express signed him for USD 28,000 in Category C of foreign players.

The right-arm quick, who has featured in one ODI and four T20Is for Pakistan, was previously associated with the Rangpur Riders but did not get a game.

Noakhali Express also picked Haider Ali for USD 20,000 in the same category. The young batter, who has 37 international appearances, brings prior BPL experience, having scored 213 runs in 13 matches at an average of 26.62, with a top score of an unbeaten 48.

All-rounder Jahandad Khan, who made his T20I debut against Australia last year and has played eight matches so far, was snapped up by Durbar Rajshahi for USD 20,000.

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The three will join six other Pakistani players — Saim Ayub, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay and Sahibzada Farhan — who were directly signed by franchises before the long-awaited auction, held for the first time in 12 years.

Usman Khan joined Dhaka Capitals, Abrar Ahmed was picked by the rebranded Chattogram Royals, while Sylhet Titans secured Saim Ayub and Mohammad Amir. Rangpur Riders signed young wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, and Sahibzada Farhan went to Rajshahi Warriors.

This season’s BPL will feature five teams, reduced from seven last year. Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders continue from the previous edition, while Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet franchises have undergone ownership and branding changes — replacing Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi and Sylhet Strikers respectively.

Defending champions Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers will not take part in this edition.