Kolkata/IBNS: In a landmark event for Bengal cricket, the Men’s Draft of the Bengal Pro T20 League Season 2 saw a record 802 cricketers drafted at a star-studded ceremony held at a premier city hotel on Monday.

The glittering occasion underscored the league’s growing popularity and its pivotal role in shaping the future of cricket in the region.

The eight dynamic franchisees – Sobisco Smashers Malda, Adamas Howrah Warriors, ServoTech Siliguri Strikers, Harbour Diamonds, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, Lux-Shyam Kolkata Royal Tigers, Murshidabad Kings, and Rashmi Medinipur Wizards – carefully picked their squads in what was an intense and strategic selection process.

The Cricket Association Bengal (CAB) President Snehasish Ganguly, Vice President Amalendu Biswas, Secretary Naresh Ojha, Treasurer Prabir Chakrabarty, and Joint Secretary Debabrata Das, alongside India’s cricket icon Sourav Ganguly and former Indian women’s team captain Jhulan Goswami, were present on the occasion.

The presence of former international cricketers, Apex Council Members, CAB Committee Chairpersons, and former office bearers added gravitas to the occasion.

A highlight of the day was the announcement of ace Indian pacer Md Shami being drafted by Shrachi Rarh Tigers, instantly turning them into a force to reckon with in the pace department.

The Bengal Pro T20 League committee, comprising Deep Chatterjee, Subhradeep Ganguly, Lopamudra Banerjee, Keya Ray, Surajit Lahiri, Ambarish Mitra, Soumendu Chatterjee, and Joydeep Mukherjee, was also present, ensuring smooth conduct and strategic oversight of the draft.

Adding a deeply nostalgic and cultural flavour to the evening, Arivaa Sports, in a unique tribute to Bengal’s literary heritage, unveiled a creative integration of the legendary cartoon character “Bantul The Great” – created by Narayan Debnath – into the League's branding. This was made possible through a partnership with Diptangshu Mondal and the team from Deep Prakashan, creating a moment of pride for every Bengali cricket and comic lover alike.

In his welcome address, Snehasish Ganguly said: “I welcome all current and former office bearers, international players, and the franchisees to this special day. This season’s men’s draft is truly historic — not only for the record number of players drafted but also for how we’ve celebrated our roots by integrating ‘Bantul The Great’.

"We are thankful to Deep Prakashan and all stakeholders. This is a brilliant opportunity to relive our childhood while building the future of Bengal cricket. Let us celebrate Bantul and look forward to an electrifying Bengal Pro T20 Season 2.”

With talent, tradition, and star power converging, Season 2 of the Bengal Pro T20 League promises to be a grand celebration of cricket, culture, and community spirit.