The twelfth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is scheduled to take place between December and January, but defending champions Fortune Barishal will not feature this season. Several organisations have already submitted applications to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to acquire franchise rights, yet Barishal have decided not to take part.
However, a new company named Akashbari Holidays has applied for the Barishal franchise and has reportedly submitted an expression of interest for the next five editions of the tournament. The organisation has also expressed optimism about building a world-class team if granted the franchise rights.
Fortune Barishal have been one of the most consistent and transparent teams in recent seasons, winning the last two BPL titles and establishing a strong brand value. Many expected them to continue in the new cycle, but that will not happen.
Team owner Mizanur Rahman confirmed that they will not be participating this year, citing time constraints and preparation issues. He explained that Fortune Barishal did not have sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming edition.
Mizanur also requested the BPL Governing Council to reconsider the tournament schedule, saying that assembling a strong squad, including quality foreign players, within such a short period was not feasible.
He said, “Even if we have players available, we still need to arrange funding, purchase equipment and bring players in. It is impossible to do all that in just one to one-and-a-half months, even if we work around the clock. I requested a separate slot. If the schedule is changed, we will play, because we have always been involved with sports and still are.”
