BPL 2025-26: Chattogram dropped as venue for remainder of season amid schedule disruptions
Sylhet will continue to host BPL matches until January 12. After that, Dhaka will stage three additional match days, followed by the playoffs and the final, which is scheduled for January 23.
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The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) governing council has dropped Chattogram as a venue for the remainder of the 2025-26 season following a revision to the tournament schedule. The ongoing season was postponed for two days after the death of the former Bangladesh prime minister, forcing organisers to reassess logistics and player workloads.
Sylhet will continue to host BPL matches until January 12. After that, Dhaka will stage three additional match days, followed by the playoffs and the final, which is scheduled for January 23. BPL member secretary Iftekhar Rahman explained that the decision to exclude Chattogram was taken after considering two key factors.
Firstly, the two-day loss in Sylhet meant the organisers would need additional time to relocate broadcast and technical equipment to Chattogram, which was not feasible within the revised timeline. Secondly, the council prioritised Bangladesh players’ preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins shortly after the BPL concludes, making efficiency essential.
"There was no gap in our fixtures. Moving from Sylhet to Chattogram, especially with the broadcast equipment needing the shifting between the two cities, will need at least two days. Given that we had to postpone the matches on Monday and Tuesday, we couldn't move to Chattogram,” said Iftekhar as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
"I know it is disappointing for Chattogram, but if we started the tournament in Chattogram, Sylhet would have missed out. Our other major concern was the BPL final date. We couldn't shift even one day as the Bangladesh team needs time to prepare for the T20 World Cup. So we had to take these factors into consideration,” he added.
Coach passes away following sudden collapse during match
The ongoing BPL has already been marred by several setbacks. On the eve of the tournament’s start on December 26, Chattogram Royals’ owner withdrew from the franchise, creating uncertainty just before the opening match. Further disruption followed when Noakhali Express coach Khaled Mahmud staged a walkout after the team was denied adequate practice facilities. The tournament was also struck by tragedy on the field, as Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki passed away only minutes before their scheduled match against the Rajshahi Warriors.
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