The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has grown into one of South Asia’s most talked-about T20 leagues, not only for cricketing action but also for player earnings. With the BPL 2026 season introducing a mega auction, revised salary slabs, and strict payment rules, player salaries have become a major talking point among fans and experts alike.
This article explains how much BPL players earn, how salaries are structured for local and overseas cricketers, what changed in the 2026 auction, and how payments are handled — all in simple and clear language.
BPL Player Salary Structure Explained
The BPL follows a category-based salary system for local players, while overseas players are signed through a USD-based auction or direct signings.
Local Player Salary Categories (2026)
Local Bangladeshi players are divided from Category A to Category G, depending on experience, national role, and performance.
| Category | Salary (BDT) | Approx INR |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Tk 80 lakh | ₹57.6 lakh |
| Category B | Tk 50 lakh | ₹36 lakh |
| Category C | Tk 30 lakh | ₹21.6 lakh |
| Category D | Tk 20 lakh | ₹14.4 lakh |
| Category E | Tk 15 lakh | ₹10.8 lakh |
| Category F | Tk 10 lakh | ₹7.2 lakh |
| Category G | Tk 5 lakh | ₹3.6 lakh |
Key point:
Top local players can earn up to Tk 80 lakh for a single BPL season.
Read Also: BPL Winner List (2012–2025)
Overseas Player Salary in BPL
Foreign players are auctioned in USD categories, and teams also have the option to make direct signings.
Overseas Salary Cap (2026)
- Maximum salary for a foreign player: USD 80,000
- Overseas budget per team: Around USD 350,000
- Bidding currency: USD only
Overseas stars from the West Indies, Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, and other nations often command higher prices due to their T20 reputation and fan appeal.
BPL 2026 Mega Auction: Big Salary Highlights
The BPL 2026 auction was the league’s first mega auction in over a decade, bringing aggressive bidding and record prices.
Top Paid Players – BPL 2026 Auction
| Rank | Player | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naim Sheikh | Chattogram Royals | Tk 1.1 crore |
| 2 | Towhid Hridoy | Rangpur Riders | Tk 92 lakh |
| 3 | Litton Das | Rangpur Riders | Tk 70 lakh |
| 4 | Mohammad Saifuddin | Dhaka Capitals | Tk 68 lakh |
| 5 | Tanzim Hasan Sakib | Rajshahi Warriors | Tk 65 lakh |
| 6 | Shamim Hossain | Dhaka Capitals | Tk 56 lakh |
| 6 | Nahid Rana | Rangpur Riders | Tk 56 lakh |
| 7 | Mohammad Mithun | Dhaka Capitals | Tk 52 lakh |
| 8 | Habibur Rahman Sohan | Noakhali Express | Tk 50 lakh |
| 9 | Khaled Ahmed | Sylhet Titans | Tk 47 lakh |
Major takeaway:
For the first time, a local Bangladeshi player crossed the Tk 1 crore mark in a BPL auction.
Mid-Tier and Emerging Player Earnings
Not all players earn huge sums, but BPL still provides strong income for domestic talent.
- Mid-tier players: Tk 20–50 lakh
- Young and emerging players: Tk 5–15 lakh
- Squad minimum: 12 local + 2 overseas players per team
For many domestic cricketers, a single BPL season can equal or exceed their annual income from other competitions.
How and When Do BPL Players Get Paid?
To protect players, BPL has a strict payment rule:
- 50% salary before the tournament
- 25% salary during the tournament
- 25% salary after the tournament ends
Franchises are also required to submit bank guarantees so payments remain secure even if a team faces financial trouble.
Despite past concerns, the 2026 season included clear assurances that players would receive full payments on time.
BPL Salary vs Central Contracts
Many national players also earn through central contracts, which provide monthly income throughout the year.
- Central contract (top grade): USD 7,000–10,000 per month
- BPL income: One-time bulk payment in 4–6 weeks
For star players, BPL earnings can exceed a full year’s central contract, making the league financially crucial.
Bonuses and Extra Earnings in BPL
Apart from base salaries, players can earn more through:
- Match awards
- Team winning bonuses
- Short-term brand endorsements
- Promotional appearances during BPL
Top stars often add tens of thousands of dollars through endorsements during the BPL window.
Women’s Cricket and Salary Gap
At present, BPL remains a men’s tournament. Women cricketers rely mainly on annual contracts, which are significantly lower. Discussions around a women’s T20 league continue, but large-scale commercial backing is still developing.
Conclusion
The BPL 2026 season has clearly shown that cricket in Bangladesh is no longer just about passion — it is now a strong professional career path. From entry-level players earning Tk 5 lakh to stars crossing Tk 1 crore, the league offers financial growth across all levels.
With structured salary slabs, a transparent auction, and improved payment safeguards, the Bangladesh Premier League continues to move closer to the financial standards of other major global T20 leagues.
FAQs
Q1. What is the highest salary in BPL 2026?
Tk 1.1 crore, earned by Naim Sheikh.
Q2. How much can overseas players earn in BPL?
Up to USD 80,000 per season.
Q3. Are BPL players paid in full before the season?
No, payments are split into three phases: before, during, and after the tournament.
Q4. Do all players go through the auction?
No, teams can make limited direct signings, especially for overseas players.
