Kolkata: Assam’s former Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy captain Denish Das emerged as the highest-priced player at the inaugural Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 player auction, with Barpeta Braves securing the opener’s services for ₹12.60 lakh as the tournament’s eight franchises assembled their squads for the maiden season at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday.Wicketkeeper-batter Sumit Ghadigaonkar came close as the second-most expensive player, joining Charaideo Sunrisers for ₹12.20 lakh, while experienced all-rounder Sibsankar Roy was bought by Barak Legends for ₹12 lakh. All-rounders Ayushman Malakar and Swarupam Purkayastha completed the top five signings, earning bids of ₹11.80 lakh each from Tezpur Titans and Jorhat Stallions, respectively.Though Assam’s most famous cricketing icon Riyan Parag was not part of the inaugural player auction, the India and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder lent his support to the league by endorsing it as a platform for the state’s emerging cricketers as the auction featured the domestic talent.“This isn’t just another tournament. Scouts, franchises and people from across the country will be keeping an eye on you and this league,” Riyan said earlier this week, adding, “Talent is expected; what stands out is your attitude, your discipline and the way you compete.”The marquee player category witnessed intense bidding among franchises. Promising left-handed top-order batter Pradyun Saikia was bought by Charaideo Sunrisers for ₹10 lakh, while Nagaon Rangers acquired all-rounder Sumit Kashyap for ₹9 lakh. Young pace-bowling all-rounder Abdul Ajij Kuraishi joined Barak Legends for ₹8.40 lakh as top-order batter Saurav Dihingia moved to Barpeta Braves for ₹7.80 lakh.Among other notable deals, Tezpur Titans signed pace-bowling all-rounder Akash Sengupta and left-arm spinner Avinav Choudhary for ₹7 lakh each, while Guwahati Royals bought left-arm pacer Mrinmoy Dutta for the same amount. Dibrugarh Warriors secured right-handed top-order batter Saahil Jain for ₹7.20 lakh and leg spinner Jitumoni Kalita for ₹6.20 lakh.However, one of the biggest bidding battles of the evening centred around batter Nihar Deka, whose value surged from a base price of ₹1 lakh to ₹9.80 lakh before Tezpur Titans won the contest. Jorhat Stallions also made a strong addition by signing all-rounder Abhilash Gogoi for ₹7.20 lakh, while Nagaon Rangers bought fast bowler Sunil Lachit for ₹7 lakh.Speaking after the auction, ACA president Taranga Gogoi said, “The Assam Premier League has been a dream for the Assam Cricket Association, and it is wonderful to see that vision taking shape. We hope that players emerging from the APL will go on to compete at the highest levels, including the IPL and, eventually, represent India.”With the squads now beginning to take shape, APL – scheduled from Aug 1-23 – is expected to provide a huge platform for both established and emerging players from across Assam.Top 5 buys at APL 2026 Auction:Denish Das (Barpeta Braves): ₹12.60 lakhSumit Ghadigaonkar (Charaideo Sunrisers): ₹12.20 lakhSibsankar Roy (Barak Legends): ₹12 lakhAyushman Malakar (Tezpur Titans): ₹11.80 lakhSwarupam Purkayastha (Jorhat Stallions): ₹11.80 lakh
