Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed, wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan, and opening batter Saim Ayub are among the players directly signed by franchises for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26, scheduled to run from mid-December to mid-January.
Several high-profile international stars have already been secured through pre-auction picks.
England’s Alex Hales, and Pakistan’s Usman Khan have been directly signed by Dhaka Capitals, while Abrar Ahmed will represent the newly rebranded Chattogram Royals.
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Noakhali Express have signed Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, and Sylhet Titans have brought in Saim Ayub along with Moeen Ali, Mohammad Amir, and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Abrar Ahmed is no stranger to the BPL, having previously played for Comilla Victorians in 2023, though he featured in just one match without taking a wicket.
Usman Khan, on the other hand, has an impressive record in the tournament.
The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter has played two seasons for Chittagong Kings and Chattogram Challengers, scoring 581 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate of 148.97, including three fifties and two centuries.
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Veteran left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir brings valuable experience, having played four BPL seasons for four different teams.
He has taken 52 wickets in 36 matches at an economy rate of 6.36.
Saim Ayub has also featured in two previous BPL seasons, scoring 105 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 97.22.
The BPL players’ auction is scheduled for November 30, with the full list of foreign players already released.
A total of 245 overseas cricketers have been placed across various categories.
This season will see five teams compete, reduced from seven last year.
Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders remain, while three teams, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, have undergone ownership changes.
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Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, and Sylhet Strikers have exited, making way for the newly rebranded Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Sylhet Titans.
Defending champions Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers will not take part this season.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the list of participating teams on Thursday, though details about the new ownership structures were not released.
