Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) did not trust their Rs 2.4 crore recruit Shahbaz Ahmed as a regular in the playing eleven. Shahbaz has got just three opportunities this season as LSG find themselves out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs race. While the LSG team management has trusted the all-rounder enough, he has become the most expensive buy in Bengal Pro T20 League auction at Rs 12.20 lakh. Shrachi Rarh Tigers exercised their Right to March card and retained the 31-year-old.
This is the first time an auction has been held for Bengal Pro T20 League. Another benched star, Delhi Capitals (DC) Abishek Porel is the second most expensive buy at the auction. Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers roped him in for Rs 10.40 lakh. Meanwhile, an out-of-form Mukesh Kumar was retained for Rs 9.60 lakh by Sobisco Smashers Malda. Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran has been roped in by Sobisco Smashers Malda for Rs 8 lakh as well.
Shahbaz delivers for LSG
In the ongoing edition, Shahbaz has got the opportunity to bat twice. He has scored 58 runs at a strike rate of 141.46. On May 10, he scored 43 runs from 25 balls, including three sixes and as many fours. His unbeaten 43 helped LSG post 203/8 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. He bowled three overs and got the wickets of a rampaging Urvil Patel and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. From three overs, he conceded 30 runs. He got two wickets against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as well, dismissing skipper Rajat Patidar and Tim David.
LSG team management underutilises Shahbaz
LSG were without the services of their star overseas all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Instead of giving a chance to Shahbaz, they put their faith in George Linde after just one outing. LSG went with pace-heavy lineups and also used Himmat Singh as an impact player as the Bengal all-rounder was not given a long rope by skipper Rishabh Pant and LSG team management.