In the first-ever Bengal Pro T20 League auction, India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed emerged as the highest bid, retained by Shrachi Tribes Rarh Tigers for ₹12.20 lakh. The auction, held in Kolkata on May 10, saw intense competition among franchises as they prepared for the league's third season starting in June. Other notable purchases included wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel for ₹10.40 lakh and pacer Mukesh Kumar for ₹9.60 lakh. Bengal captain Sudip Kumar Gharami and Yuvraj Deepak Keswani were acquired for ₹9.40 lakh and ₹8.60 lakh respectively. The auction signals a growing platform for Bengal cricketers, according to Sourav Ganguly, president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, who emphasized its role in helping players progress to higher levels of competition. The women's auction is scheduled for the following day.