BPL to return in a shorter window with five teams
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has finalized a more compact edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), confirming that the next season will feature only five franchises. The move comes as the board grapples with a congested cricket calendar and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for February.
The decision marks a strategic reset for the BPL, which has often struggled to balance commercial interests with scheduling pressures. By opting for a smaller, tighter competition window, the BCB appears focused on ensuring a smoother tournament that aligns with the international calendar and allows both local and foreign players adequate preparation time ahead of global commitments.
BPL Governing Council Secretary Iftikhar Rahman Mithu told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday, “The board has decided to host the BPL from mid-December to mid-January.”
Mithu explained that time constraints have forced the board to scale down participation for this cycle. “Given the short window we have this year, we are comfortable with five teams. That doesn’t mean it can’t be six or seven in the future, but our priority is to stage a five-team BPL within a one-month window.”
He further clarified the reasoning behind the compressed format, noting, “We have to finish in the month of January. The window he mentioned, we have to finish before the February World Cup.”
His remarks reflect the BCB’s intent to prioritize logistical feasibility over expansion, aiming for a season that remains competitive but realistically manageable under current constraints.
According to Mithu, the league is taking a “fresh start” with an emphasis on quality management and strong finances. “I am not saying that it cannot be six or seven but at this point we are comfortable running it with five teams in this one-month window. So, our priority is the first five teams. We are starting fresh this year. The Expression of Interest (EOI) will be announced tomorrow.”
BCB opens franchise ownership process
To formalize the structure, the board confirmed the beginning of its EOI process for new and existing investors. In an official statement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced, “The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially opened the process for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from reputed business houses, companies, and entities for the acquisition of Franchise Ownership Rights in the Bangladesh Premier League T20 (BPLT20).”
The board added that “The rights will be granted for five consecutive editions, [from the] 12th-16th seasons of the tournament.”
As part of its regional expansion strategy, “The BCB has outlined ten (10) potential franchise regions as follows: Barishal, Chattogram, Cumilla, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Noakhali, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Sylhet.”
This step not only reaffirms the BCB’s commitment to institutional transparency but also signals its intent to restore investor confidence after several turbulent seasons. By mapping out ten regional bases, the board aims to create a more balanced distribution of franchises while maintaining competitive and commercial integrity across the country.
Finally, the governing council clarified, “As part of a transparent and merit-based process, the BPL Governing Council will consider a minimum of five (5) eligible EOI submissions for the 12th edition of the BPL T20 (2026).”
Mithu underscored the board’s stricter stance this time, stating, “The problems we faced in the last BPL were mainly related to the franchises. So, the selection of the franchise will be very strict. If the financials aren’t right, if the management isn’t right… you might be a big group with good financials, but you need people for cricket management as well. We will primarily look at these things.”
Fortune Barishal calls for postponement
Even as the new structure takes shape, defending champions Fortune Barishal have urged the BPL Council to reconsider the schedule. Owner Mizanur Rahman told Cricbuzz that they are not boycotting the league but need more time to prepare adequately. “I haven’t said that I won’t play in the BPL. All I said is that in this short span of time it will be difficult for a team like us to play, and so we wanted them to extend the time. Everyone is calling me and I told them (BCB) that it’s too small and it is becoming impossible for a team like us (to prepare for the tournament).”
He elaborated on the logistical hurdles, saying, “Even if we have players, we have to organize the funds and the instruments that we need to buy [players], we have to bring them and in this one or one-and-a-half months even if we work for 24 hours we cannot do that. I have requested for a different slot and now let’s see what they say.”
Rahman’s comments highlight a growing tension between franchise preparedness and the BCB’s urgency to meet its compressed schedule. While the governing council views the shorter season as a logistical necessity, franchises like Barishal argue that insufficient preparation time could compromise the quality and competitiveness of the league.
Still, Rahman made it clear that Barishal remains committed to the league. “I haven’t said that we won’t play but if the slot is changed in that case we would…because we have always been with the game and we are not out of the game.”
Expressing concern over the rushed schedule, he remarked, “I don’t think any good team will be willing to play in this short time and you can even ask Rangpur (Riders), and what I feel is that team that doesn’t have the experience will be willing to play.”
Rahman suggested holding the tournament later to ensure better organization. “I just wanted to buy some time…We can do it in April and May, and what is the problem?! You can give the team (for the next cycle) and give us some time so that we can organize it well. I don’t think there is any point in doing it just for the sake of it and I don’t think it would be right to do BPL without us.”
He also clarified the situation involving captain Tamim Iqbal’s earlier remarks, stating, “I don’t think there is any such thing (that Tamim won’t play in BPL) and I think he said about it (boycotting cricket) regarding normal game. If the BPL happens I will request him to play and I feel that if Barishal plays he will play.”
BCB’s response and hope for Barishal’s return
Despite the uncertainty, the BPL Governing Council has maintained a conciliatory approach, signaling that doors remain open for Fortune Barishal. Officials have stressed the importance of dialogue over confrontation, emphasizing that a well-run franchise like Barishal adds significant value to the league’s identity.
Mithu expressed optimism that the champions would eventually come forward, saying, “My request is that it would be good if they (Fortune Barishal team) come. I can’t force anyone to come. We welcome them; they have run their team well and we have never had any complaints. So, we always want well-managed teams like theirs to participate. We are open, but we can’t force anyone. From my perspective, considering the effort they put in and the following they built in Barishal… my request is that it would be good if they came.”
He also acknowledged their contribution to the league’s popularity, adding, “Fortune Barishal have always maintained excellent management and built a strong fan base. We’d love to see them back again.”
BCB vice president reflects on last season’s lessons
As one of Bangladesh cricket’s most experienced administrators, Ahmed’s reflections highlighted both the progress made and the persistent challenges facing the BPL. His remarks underscored a desire for sustainable growth rooted in professionalism, financial discipline, and competitive integrity — themes that continue to guide the league’s evolution.
Meanwhile, BCB Vice President Faruque Ahmed, speaking at the NCL T20 final in Sylhet, reflected on the previous BPL’s mixed record and the lessons that informed the current approach. “The last BPL had more positives than negatives – maybe two or three negatives, but at least seven positives. There were great pitches, lots of runs, and even commentators praised the standard. We made Tk 12.5 crore (approx. US$ 1.03m) from ticket sales – that says a lot.”
Ahmed acknowledged that preparations this year have again been delayed. “This BPL is a bit late for various reasons. Even if we have fewer teams, I’d prefer solid franchises who think long-term and have financial strength. We’ve tried to allow more time for planning, though it’s been cut short again this season.”
Discussing external scheduling pressures, he noted, “It’ll be tough if the ILT20 clashes with our tournament since they have nine foreign players per team. But once ILT20 ends, many players should be available. We’ll have better overseas participation then.”
On whether Pakistani cricketers might feature, he added, “I’m not sure about the exact timeline, but if it doesn’t clash with ILT20, we should have no problem.”
Asked if he would consider heading the BPL Governing Council again, Ahmed replied candidly, “Honestly, I’m not sure if I’d take that role again (laughs). The new leadership is capable, and they’re doing their best. The financial situation isn’t ideal, but if we can secure even five strong franchises, that would be great.”
When pressed about foreign franchise involvement, he said simply, “No, I don’t think that option has been opened up yet.”
Looking ahead
With the BPL’s five-team blueprint now finalized and the EOI process underway, Bangladesh cricket is gearing up for a more streamlined and financially disciplined season. However, uncertainty over Fortune Barishal’s participation lingers — a subplot that could shape the narrative as the league races toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.
