DHAKA, Oct 14, 2024 (BSS)- Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed became the first player in 11th edition of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to get picked from the draft held at a local hotel in the city when newcomer Durbar Rajshahi obtained his service in the first call.

Among other prominent names, Liton Das and Mahmudullah Riyad were roped in by Dhaka Capitals and Fortune Barishal respectively during their first call.

Bangladesh's all-format skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was also bracketed in Category A, was recruited by Barishal. 

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, another Category A player, was believed to be hot pick but the reality was different. He was finally picked by the same franchise in their seventh call in the draft.

Promising batter Jishan Alam, who earlier was announced as one of their two direct signings along with Anamul Haque Bijoy for Rajshahi got picked by same franchise in the second call that sprung a surprise.

Later, they informed that they released Jishan right before the draft.

Sylhet Strikers picked former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza while Nahid Rana and Soumya Sarkar were roped in by Rangpur.

Earlier before the draft event, a total of 18 local cricketers were either retained or directly signed by the seven participating franchises.