A Bangladesh Cricket Board official on Tuesday ruled out any chance of a rebel cricket league in the country. He said such a league is not possible under the existing system. The issue came up after 44 clubs refused to take part in any tournament run by the current board led by Aminul Islam. The clubs claimed the elected board is illegal.
The situation became clearer after the Dhaka First Division Cricket League faced disruption. On Tuesday, the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis announced a change in the league schedule. The 2025–26 season was pushed back by two days. This happened after eight clubs failed to show up for their matches, which led to walkovers.
The second phase of the league was set for 17 and 18 December. The matches will now begin from 19 December. CCDM is expected to hold talks with the remaining 12 clubs before play resumes. At the start, 20 teams were listed for the league. The fixtures for the first two rounds were prepared and shared on 11 December 2025.
During the opening round, eight clubs did not take the field. They were Partex Sporting Club, Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy, Amber Sporting Club, Kalabagan Krira Chakra, Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity, Surjotorun Club, Kakrail Boys Club and Orient Sporting Club. Each of their matches ended in walkovers.
The BCB later issued a statement on the matter. It said the matches scheduled for 17 and 18 December were postponed due to the changed situation. The board also referred to the league rules for the 2025–26 season. According to those rules, any team that fails to appear for scheduled matches is treated as non participating. Such teams face relegation from the next season.
Based on that rule, the eight clubs have been relegated to the Dhaka Second Division Cricket League. As a result, there will be no relegation round in the current First Division season.
The eight clubs are part of the larger group of 44 protesting clubs. These clubs have said they do not want to play in any BCB backed competition. Some officials from these clubs earlier claimed they were ready to run a separate league on their own.
BCB vice president Faruque Ahmed dismissed that idea. He said cricket cannot function without a recognised governing body. Speaking to reporters, Faruque said that without boards, there would be no need for bodies like the ICC either. He stressed that every sport needs a central authority and that the Bangladesh Cricket Board is the only governing body for cricket in the country.
CCDM chairman Adnan Rahman Dipon shared a similar view. He questioned the legality of any league outside the BCB system. He said friendly or informal matches can happen, but an official league must be organised by the board. He added that the ICC will not recognise any tournament run outside the BCB framework. According to him, such a league would have no legal standing.
