Upcoming BPL season set to be postoned

The upcoming Bangladesh Premier League may be shifted from the December-January window to May depending on the upcoming general elections, said BPL chairman Mahbub Anam. Mahbub made the announcement after the emergency meeting of the board of directors at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday (July 10).

The announcement came a day after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed all concerned agencies to complete necessary preparations by December to ensure a peaceful and orderly general election, expected to be held in early 2026.

Mahbub added that they are waiting for the decision of the government before fixing the slot for the upcoming edition of BPL. Mahbub added that they are now waiting for the government's decision before taking the next steps, with May being another available window to hold the BPL.

"BPL slot may change due to the elections," said Mahbub. "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."

Mahbub added that they are eyeing to appoint a sports marketing consultancy firm to run the tournament that had been subject to lot of controversies.

BCB had already given advertisement for EOI (Express of Interest). The BCB also announced the Expression of Interest (EOI) for appointment of a sports marketing consultancy firm. Mahbub informed that priority will be given to those who have conducted international T20 leagues in the past.

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

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

Mahbub, who recently replaced former BCB president Faruque Ahmed as BPL chairman, added that lot of companies are showing interest to be part of the lone franchise-based T20 tournament of the country that is expected have a new five-year cycle for next edition.

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

Mahbub added they are eyeing to increase the number of venues in BPL. Currently BPL is played in three venues- 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," he 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 added.