Not so long ago, global T20 stars like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers used to feature in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Moeen Ali were almost household names in the country’s biggest domestic tournament.
However, the scenario has changed dramatically. Even the current generation of T20 stars is largely absent from the BPL. Meanwhile, several other franchise leagues have emerged, often scheduling matches that directly clash with the BPL. As a result, foreign T20 cricketers usually opt for other leagues that offer better financial packages than the BPL.
This season’s BPL, which began on 26 December at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, reflects this trend. The twelfth edition of Bangladesh’s marquee tournament lacks quality foreign recruits. Barring Rangpur Riders, none of the teams feature top-tier international players.
Rangpur Riders have nine foreign cricketers in their squad, while Chattogram Royals struggled to field their overseas players in the tournament opener. With Paul Stirling and Niroshan Dickwella withdrawing for various reasons, the Royals played their first match against Noakhali Express with just two foreign players: Masood Gurbaz from Afghanistan, who only has experience in the Abu Dhabi T10, and Pakistani opener Mirza Tahir.
Dhaka Capitals have signed a few names, including Imad Wasim, who is currently retired from international cricket. Players like Dasun Shanaka and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are yet to arrive in Bangladesh. Sylhet Titans have also faced issues with withdrawals among their foreign players.
Newcomers Noakhali Express signed Mohammad Nabi, who will join after his ILT20 stint. With Kusal Mendis withdrawing, they now have to rely on Ihsanullah and lesser-known Pakistani Maaz Sadaqat. Meanwhile, Rajshahi Warriors have taken a different approach with their foreign recruitment, showing more strategy and planning.
Across the board, most foreign players come from Afghanistan and Pakistan, while players from other countries are largely absent. Schedule clashes with other leagues and financial incentives are the main factors behind this trend.
The imbalance between teams was evident in Rangpur Riders’ dominating performance against Chattogram Royals on Sunday. Chattogram were bundled out for just 102, and Rangpur chased the target comfortably in 15 overs, showcasing the gulf in quality and preparation between the squads. Rangpur’s lineup of big-name foreign players gave them a clear edge, highlighting how early planning and top talent can make a decisive difference in this season’s BPL.
Chattogram Royals coach Mizanur Rahman Babul was asked at the post-match press conference whether this season’s BPL lacks quality foreign cricketers. Compared to previous seasons, Babul noted that a shortage of time for franchise planning is a major setback.
Babul said, “If teams get proper time, any franchise can assemble players effectively. The quality of players often depends on the money. The better you pay, the better players you can get. This is not really a problem at all.”
Referring to Rangpur Riders, Babul added, “Rangpur already had their squad in place, while other teams usually need six to seven months to build a proper team. New players this season lacked that preparation time. With Barisal not playing, some of their players joined other teams, but Rangpur’s early preparation gave them a clear advantage.”
