How many Bangladeshi cricketers are set to participate in IPL 2026?

The IPL 2026 mini-auction proved to be a challenging period for Bangladesh cricketers, with limited interest from franchises. Despite several players registering for the auction, only one managed to secure a spot in the IPL. Mustafizur Rahman, the left-arm fast bowler, was the sole Bangladesh player to be sold during the auction.

 

Mustafizur Rahman in Demand

 

While seven Bangladesh players were included in the auction list, only Mustafizur Rahman attracted the attention of a franchise. The others went unsold, marking another difficult year for Bangladesh’s representation in the IPL.

 

Here’s a breakdown of the players, their base price, final auction price, team status, and their performance during the IPL 2026 auction: 

How Bangladesh cricketers fared in IPL 2026 Auction
Player	Role	Base Price	Team (IPL 2026)	Final Price	Status
Mustafizur Rahman	Left-arm fast bowler	₹2 Crore	Kolkata Knight Riders	₹9.20 Crore	Sold
Rishad Hossain	Leg-spinner	₹75 Lakh	–	–	Unsold
Taskin Ahmed	Right-arm fast bowler	₹75 Lakh	–	–	Unsold
Tanzim Hasan Sakib	Fast bowler	₹75 Lakh	–	–	Unsold
Nahid Rana	Fast bowler	₹75 Lakh	–	–	Unsold
Shoriful Islam	Left-arm fast bowler	₹75 Lakh	–	–	Unsold
Rakibul Hasan	Spin all-rounder	₹30 Lakh	–	–	Unsold

 

 

  Mustafizur Rahman becomes a Knight Rider

 

Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in the IPL 2026 auction reflects his proven IPL credentials and skill set. Known for his ability to bowl cutters and variations, particularly at the death, Mustafizur has been a reliable option on Indian pitches for years. His previous stints with teams like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals further solidified his reputation. 

Mustafizur Rahman IPL career stats
Matches (Mat)	Balls	Runs	Wickets (WKTS)	Best Bowling (BBM)	Average (Ave)	Economy (Econ)	Strike Rate (SR)	4-Wicket Hauls (4W)	5-Wicket Hauls (5W)
60	1364	1849	65	4/29	28.45	8.13	20.98	1	0

 

For now, Mustafizur will be an integral part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling attack in the IPL 2026 season, with his participation largely depending on his availability given Bangladesh’s international commitments. As the IPL season begins in March-April 2026, it will be interesting to see how Mustafizur contributes to the Kolkata-based franchise's success.

 

Mustafizur’s auction price of ₹9.20 Crore speaks volumes about the confidence IPL franchises have in his abilities, especially as he continues to be a key figure for Bangladesh in T20 cricket.

 

Challenges for Other Bangladesh Players

 

The absence of other Bangladesh cricketers in IPL 2026, such as Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Rishad Hossain, highlights the stiff competition in the auction. Despite their strong performances in international cricket and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), they struggled to catch the eye of IPL franchises. This doesn’t diminish their talent, but it does indicate the challenges Bangladesh cricketers face in breaking into the IPL.

 

Looking Ahead: IPL 2027 and Beyond

 

While the lack of representation for Bangladesh cricketers in IPL 2026 is disappointing, it’s important to note that IPL franchises often prioritize recent T20 performances. Players like Taskin, Shoriful, and Rishad can strengthen their cases for future auctions by continuing to perform well in international T20s and the BPL.