Although the call for cricketers from all categories of the BPL auction was over, the work of filling the squads of the franchises was still pending. It was informed from the auction stage that there is now an opportunity to take players from any category as per the remaining requirement. Three experienced cricketers – Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Mominul Haque – got a place on that opportunity.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad were in the ‘A’ category, with a base price of Tk 35 lakh. Mominul Haque was in the ‘C’ category, with a base price of Tk 22 lakh. In the end, the franchises included the three of them in the team at their base prices.
The process of downgrading the categories of cricketers who were not included in the first call was underway. However, Rangpur Riders representative and BCB director Ishtiaq Sadek said that to respect seniors like Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, their categories should not be reduced. The auction committee also accepted the proposal.
In the next stage, Rangpur Riders took Mahmudullah Riyad. Rajshahi took Mushfiqur Rahim. Rajshahi took Rajshahi Warriors. And Sylhet Titans took Mominul.
After six seasons, Mushfiqur Rahim, the owner of the second highest run in the BPL, returned to Rajshahi. On the other hand, Mahmudullah, who scored the fourth highest run in the history of the tournament, will play for Rangpur for the first time. Since the franchises were not interested in the first call, only three experienced batters were waiting. However, towards the end of the auction, they all got teams.
Regarding Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah getting the team in the auction, Nazmul Hossain Shanto said, ‘I think it is a very good decision and that respect should definitely be given and BCB and I want to mention the name of Rangpur team, because this message first came from Rangpur team. So of course thanks for Rangpur team. But I think it is a very good decision.’
‘We have such a great player and he has served Bangladesh cricket for so many years. We certainly wanted every team management coach to make his decision but we have taken Mushfiqur bhai in the team and he is a very important player. I think he will play a very important role in our team.’
