Fifth season of BPL to commence from November 3

The fifth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League is scheduled to kick off on November 3, Friday. Sylhet franchise, which will mark a return to the BPL after missing the previous season, will lock horns with defending champions Dhaka Dynamites in the curtain raiser which will be held at the Sylhet International Stadium.

7 teams, 3 cities

Sylhet will host a BPL game for the first time. Earlier, though the authorities wanted it to be an 8-team event; Barisal Bulls was barred from taking part in this year’s tournament. Hence, seven teams will compete for the ultimate glory – Sylhet Sixers, Dhaka Dynamites, Rajshahi Kings, Rangpur Riders, Comilla Victorians, Khulna Titans and Chittagong Vikings. The BPL has helped in raising the standard of cricket in the country and it will continue to do so this year.

The first eight games will be played at the Sylhet International Stadium till all teams shift base to Dhaka for the next 16 games. Chittangong will be seen hosting the next nine before the action will move back to Dhaka for the Eliminators and the finals. A reserve day has been kept for the finals only.

BPL and Global T20 clash dates

BPL is going to clash dates with another mega event – Global T20 League in South Africa. Plenty of top players have to make a choice between both these events. One of the biggest attractions of T20 format Shahid Afridi has confirmed that he will be seen in action in the BPL.

The final will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on December 12. All 7 teams will appear in 12 games each, 6 day games and as many evening ones. The Eliminator and the first Qualifier will be played on the same day on December 8. The second Qualifier will be played two days later on December 10 in Dhaka.

Here are the fixtures for the much awaited season if the BPL: