GUWAHATI, JUL 19 (PTI): All-rounder Denish Das emerged as the most expensive buy during the marquee player round of the inaugural Assam Premier League (APL) player auction on Sunday, with Barpeta Braves securing his services for Rs 12.60 lakh.
Sumit Ghadigaonkar was the second-highest buy among the marquee players, joining Charaideo Sunrisers for Rs 12.20 lakh, while experienced batter Sibsankar Roy was acquired by Barak Legends for Rs 12 lakh.
Ayushman Malakar and Swarupam Purkayastha completed the top five marquee buys, with Tezpur Titans and Jorhat Stallions securing them respectively for Rs 11.80 lakh each.
The marquee player round saw the franchises compete for some of Assam’s leading domestic cricketers as they began assembling their squads for the APL, which will commence on August 1.
The APL was launched by the Assam Cricket Association in June with the objective of creating a professional and sustainable platform for emerging cricketers while also elevating the standard of domestic cricket across the state.
The eight franchises in fray are Jorhat Stallions, Tezpur Titans, Dibrugarh Warriors, Barak Legends, Nagaon Rangers, Barpeta Braves, Guwahati Royals and Charaideo Sunrisers.
Among the other notable acquisitions from the marquee player pool, Barak Legends added Abdul Ajij Kuraishi for Rs 8.40 lakh and Bhargab Lakhar for Rs 5.20 lakh.
Barpeta Braves secured Saurav Dihingia for Rs 7.80 lakh, while Dibrugarh Warriors added Saahil Jain for Rs 7.20 lakh and Jitumoni Kalita for Rs 6.20 lakh.
The auction continued through the day with franchises looking to build balanced squads from the wider pool of players going under the hammer.
Altogether 275 players, drawn from across the state, were listed for the auction.
The matches of the inaugural edition will be broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
