The mini auction for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, and despite its smaller scale, this edition has drawn exceptional interest. A total of 1,355 players have registered—among them Bangladesh’s two biggest stars, Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan.
Mustafizur Rahman, known internationally as a “cutter master,” has entered the auction at the highest base-price bracket of Rs 2 crore. He joins 43 overseas players in this premium category, which also includes global names such as Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Rachin Ravindra, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Maheesh Theekshana and Josh Inglis. West Indies players Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph are also listed at the same base price.
Mustafizur’s previous IPL performances—marked by his deceptive slower balls, yorkers and wicket-taking ability—are expected to attract interest from multiple franchises once again.
Shakib Al Hasan, widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in world cricket, has set his base price at Rs 1 crore. A veteran of 71 IPL matches, Shakib did not secure a team last season, but his vast experience, tactical intelligence and dual skill set give him a strong chance of returning to the league this year.
Cricketers from 14 countries have registered for the auction. Alongside Test-playing nations such as Afghanistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, Malaysia has also entered the pool. Malaysian all-rounder Virandeep Singh, of Indian origin, has registered with a base price of Rs 30 lakh.
As the countdown to December 16 begins, all eyes are on which franchises will move for Bangladesh’s two marquee players in the Abu Dhabi mini auction.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
