Bangladesh Premier League opening ceremony called off over security concerns

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam said on Wednesday, December 17, that the board has decided to postpone the opening ceremony of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) due to security concerns.

The BPL Governing Council had earlier announced that the tournament would begin on December 26 in Sylhet, with an opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Dhaka on December 24. However, Aminul confirmed that there are now no plans to stage an opening ceremony following discussions with newly appointed sports adviser Asif Nazrul.

According to Cricbuzz, senior government officials had suggested rescheduling the opening ceremony and proposed holding it four days after the originally planned date. The BCB, however, conveyed that such a change would not be feasible at this stage, as it could impact the availability of overseas players for the tournament. The decision also comes amid a tense political climate in the country, with national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, adding to the security concerns in recent times.

"We won't do an opening ceremony because the overall situation of the country plus security is a big factor here. Our job is to make sure the cricket matches run well. So, we are keeping focus on all sides. But at this moment, we are paying more attention to cricket," Aminul told reporters in a private programme as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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Hours after the announcement, the BPL Governing Council echoed similar sentiments, stating that the decision to postpone the opening ceremony was taken following advice from the government.

"Aligned with the current advice from the Bangladesh Government on mass gatherings, and with the objective of ensuring maximum protection for everyone concerned, the BPL Governing Council has decided not to organize any pre-event function or opening ceremony involving large crowds. The Governing Council of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an exciting and competitive 12th edition of the tournament, scheduled to commence on 26 December 2025 in Sylhet," the BPL Governing Council said in a press release.

"As preparations progress, the Governing Council is focused on ensuring a secure and well-managed environment for players, spectators, match officials and all stakeholders involved in the competition. Operational readiness for all participants remains at the core of the planning process. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the BPL Governing Council look forward to welcoming fans to the stadiums and delivering a tournament that truly reflects the spirit, excitement, and excellence of the Bangladesh Premier League T20 2026," it added.