BCB confirms launch of Women's BPL T20, inaugural edition to be played in April

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the launch of Women's Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL) T20, the inaugural edition of which will run from April 3 to 15. The WBPL is set to be Bangladesh’s first-ever franchise-based T20 tournament for women cricketers.

The BCB has confirmed that the inaugural edition of the league will feature three teams, with a blend of national cricketers and up-and-coming talents. The local players will be selected through a draft system, while the franchises will also be allowed to rope in overseas players to ensure global participation.

Bangladesh women's team skipper Nigar Sultana has hailed the BCB move that is being viewed as a landmark step for the development of women’s cricket in the nation. Sultana also believes that the tournament will serve as an ideal preparation opportunity for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, which will be held in England in June.

"I have been hearing for many years that this (WBPL) was going to happen, so finally the announcement has come. Obviously, it is good news. We have always said that there should be a competitive franchise tournament for women. Other countries are already playing women's franchise-based T20 tournaments, and it's paying dividends for them," Sultana was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

"If you want to compete in world cricket in the T20 format, you have to look at how other countries are progressing through franchise cricket. Most players take part in franchise leagues in different places, and that is how their skill levels develop in various ways. So for us, this would be a very good opportunity," she said.

"Plus, it would be a huge experience for both local players and those interested in the game. If we can bring in top-class players from world cricket who regularly play franchise leagues and have them share the dressing room and their experiences, the overall quality of cricket will improve. With the T20 World Cup ahead of us, this would be the best possible preparation," she added.

Rubaba Dowla, BCB Director and Chairperson of the BCB Women's Wing, will be the Chairperson of the WBPL Governing Council.