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Bengal T20 League: Mita Paul Emerges As Highest Womens Pick As 1000+ Cricketers Enter Auction Pool

Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers: Mita Paul emerged as the highest Womens pick at 3 lakh as the Bengal T20 League completed its biggest-ever player auction with franchises spending over 4.5 crore across their Mens and Women's teams. More than 250 players secured contracts from an auction pool of over 1000 cricketers ahead of the 2026 season. Across the two auctions, franchises completed 136 player signings in the mens and 128 player signings in the womens team. Every mens franchise assembled a 17-player squad with the mandatory inclusion of at least two U19 players. In comparison, every womens team completed a 16-player squad featuring at least two U15 players, strengthening the leagues focus on long-term grassroots development. The first-ever Mens Auction in Bengal T20 League history produced several high-value signings, with IPL and India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed emerging as the most expensive player at 12.20 lakh after being retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers through RTM. Multiple players crossed the 8 lakh mark as franchises aggressively competed for Bengals leading domestic performers, IPL talent, and emerging prospects. The Womens Auction also witnessed strong investments across marquee and youth categories, with more than 10 players crossing the 2 lakh mark, while all players in the A+ category were successfully picked by franchises (leaving no player unsold in the category). This reflects the growing depth and competitiveness of womens cricket in Bengal. Mita Paul became the highest-valued player in the Womens Auction at 3 lakh, with Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers retaining her through RTM. while 13-year-old Ariktha Manna emerged as one of the standout young talents at the auction after being picked for 1.55 lakh by Rashmi Medinipur Wizards (0.30L base price). Franchises collectively spent nearly 88 lakh in the Womens Auction alone. The Mens Auction also saw strong demand for youth categories, with Ravi Kumar becoming the highest-paid U19 player at 7.80 lakh, while Rohit emerged as the top U16 signing at 5.20 lakh. Bablu Kolay, Honorary Secretary, Cricket Association of Bengal, 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. Mens Auction Top 10 Highest Picks 1. Shahbaz Ahmed 12.20 lakh (RTM) Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers 2. Abishek Porel 10.40 lakh Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers 3. Mukesh Kumar 9.60 lakh (RTM) Sobisco Smashers Malda 4. Sudip Kumar Gharami 9.40 lakh Novus Purulia Royals 5. Yuvraj Deepak Keswani 8.60 lakh Novus Purulia Royals 6. Saksham Chaudhary 8.40 lakh Murshidabad Kings 7. Writtick Chatterjee 8.20 lakh Adamas Howrah Warriors 8. Ravi Kumar (U19) 7.80 lakh Novus Purulia Royals 9. Rohit (U16) 5.20 lakh Novus Purulia Royals 10. Subham Sarkar - 4.8 lakh - Rashmi Medinipur Wizards Womens Auction Top 10 Highest Picks 1. Mita Paul 3 lakh (RTM) Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers 2. Dhara Gujjar 2.85 lakh Novus Purulia Royals 3. Tanushree Sarkar 2.35 lakh (RTM) Murshidabad Kueens 4. Priyanka Bala 2.25 lakh (RTM) Servotech Siliguri Strikers 5. Prativa Rana 2.15 lakh (RTM) Murshidabad Kueens 6. Hrishita Basu 2.10 lakh Rashmi Medinipur Wizards 7. Piyali Ghosh 2.10 lakh (RTM) Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers 8. Sujata Dey 2.05 lakh Adamas Howrah Warriors 9. Prativa Mandi (U19) 2.05 lakh Sobisco Smashers Malda 10. Trishita Sarkar 2.05 lakh Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers Biggest U15 & Emerging Talent Picks 1. Ariktha Manna (13 years, U15) 1.55 lakh Rashmi Medinipur Wizards 2. Debasmita Khalsa (14 years, U15) 0.65 lakh Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers 3. Manushri Rajak (14 years, U15) 0.50 lakh Rashmi Medinipur Wizards 4. Sneha Mahato (14 years, U15) 0.48 lakh Servotech Siliguri Strikers 5. Saikh Athiana (14 years, U15) 0.40 lakh Sobisco Smashers Malda 6. Tanisha Das (14 years, U15) 0.34 lakh Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers 5. Saikh Athiana (14 years, U15) 0.40 lakh Sobisco Smashers Malda Also Read: Live Cricket Score 8. Piyali Roy (13 years, U15) 0.30 lakh Novus Purulia Royals Article Source: IANS