Upcoming BPL likely to be postponed

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Chairman Mahbub Anam has indicated that the tournament may be shifted from its traditional December-January window to May, depending on the schedule of the upcoming general elections. The announcement was made following an emergency meeting of the BPL Board of Directors at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday, July 10.

This development comes a day after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus instructed all concerned agencies to complete necessary preparations by December to ensure a peaceful and orderly general election, which is expected to take place in early 2026.

Mahbub stated that they are currently awaiting the government's decision before finalising the dates for the next edition of the BPL. He added that May is being considered as an alternative window to host the tournament.

"BPL slot may change due to the elections. BPL [could be] before December, or another slot is being planned. We will take the next steps depending on the government's decision, and in this regard, May [window] is another option," said Mahbub as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Mahbub further stated that they are planning to appoint a sports marketing consultancy firm to manage the tournament, which has faced several controversies over the years. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the role. He also mentioned that priority will be given to firms with prior experience in organising international T20 leagues.

"Agency with experience of organising international T20 leagues and skilled officials will be appointed. In the past, responsibility was given to inexperienced companies, which harmed BCB, so experienced ones will be prioritised," Mahbub said.

"BPL needs to set up its own standard. In the past there were some mistakes and BCB needed to take responsibility. We will try to increase the brand value of BPL," he added.

Mahbub, who recently succeeded former BCB president Faruque Ahmed as BPL chairman, added that several companies have shown interest in being part of the country’s only franchise-based T20 tournament. The upcoming edition is expected to mark the beginning of a new five-year cycle for the league.

"Lot of companies are showing interest but they will be assessed only after the new financial model is finalised. BCB will try to communicate with the different corporate houses on their own," he said.

Mahbub also mentioned that they are exploring the possibility of increasing the number of venues in the BPL. At present, the tournament is held across three locations, Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

"We will try to increase the number of venues. New venues will be added if they meet ICC standards and provide suitable accommodation for players," Mahbub said.

"Bogura and Khulna stadiums have been sent for auditing. Work is ongoing at Barisal Stadium, which may also qualify for inclusion. The National Sports Council is working on Rajshahi as well. Among these four venues, the best ones that meet the criteria could be added to the upcoming BPL," he concluded.