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Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will not feature in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 after sources clarified the circumstances behind his unexpected withdrawal from the tournament.
Abrar had been picked by Chattogram Royals for the 12th edition of the BPL, but it has now emerged that his inclusion in the auction took place without his prior approval.
According to sources, the franchise listed Abrar in the players’ auction despite not securing his consent. When contacted by the team after the auction, the spinner made it clear that he had not agreed to participate in the league.
Following the clarification, Chattogram Royals opted to move on and have since informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of the situation, replacing Abrar with an alternative signing ahead of the tournament.
The development came amid strong Pakistani interest at the BPL players’ auction held on November 30, where several emerging talents attracted notable bids.
Fast bowler Ihsanullah emerged as the most expensive Pakistani signing, with Noakhali Express securing his services for USD 28,000 in the Category C foreign players segment.
Ihsanullah has previously represented Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is and had earlier been associated with Rangpur Riders, though he did not feature in a match for them.
Middle-order batter Haider Ali was also picked by Noakhali Express for USD 20,000.
The 23-year-old has played 37 international matches for Pakistan and brings prior BPL experience, having scored 213 runs in 13 games at an average of 26.62, including a highest score of 48 not out.
All-rounder Jahandad Khan, who made his T20I debut against Australia last November and has featured in eight T20Is so far, was acquired by Durbar Rajshahi for USD 20,000 in the same category.
These three players will join a group of five Pakistan cricketers who were directly signed before the auction.
Saim Ayub and Mohammad Amir have been roped in by Sylhet Titans, Usman Khan will represent Dhaka Capitals, Khawaja Nafay has signed with Rangpur Riders, while Sahibzada Farhan will turn out for Rajshahi Warriors.
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