The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) remains the country’s most high-profile cricket tournament.
While it has consistently featured local stars and globally renowned overseas cricketers, the glitz and glamour of the franchise competition have not been enough to mask its persistent structural flaws. Now 11 editions old, the BPL continues to face criticism for delayed player payments, neglect from franchise owners, and general mismanagement. But the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is now looking to shed that baggage ahead of the next edition.
Following a board meeting on Monday, BCB Media Committee Chairman Iftikhar Rahman Mithu announced their intention to stage the 12th BPL season between December 2025 and January 2026 under a new economic model. Each franchise will be granted team ownership for five years, while BCB is also exploring handing over the tournament’s operational management to a reputed international sports management agency — one with experience in running major franchise leagues like the IPL and PSL.
“Another major decision has been made today. The BPL time frame is now set for December-January,” Mithu told the media. “There has been criticism in the past, including the last edition. As seen in other countries, reputed sports management agencies oversee tournaments like the IPL and PSL — we want to follow that model. We’ll be awarding franchises team rights for five years. The financial model will also be discussed with the franchises.”
For the first time, BCB will also include members from outside the cricket board in the BPL organising committee — a move aimed at ensuring greater transparency.
“The most significant decision is the inclusion of external individuals in the BPL committee for clarity,” Mithu added. “We want to deliver a clear and transparent image through this tournament. That’s why individuals from outside cricket will be involved in the committee — someone from the media, possibly from the government, or other relevant sectors.”
Interest in owning a new franchise has already begun to surface. ‘Sayanse Global’, a company represented by London-based businessman Ahmed Jamil, formally expressed interest in owning a BPL team named ‘Noakhali Royals’. Jamil submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) before the board meeting began at 3pm on Monday.
In response, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul stated that franchise selection will be done through a proper tender process. Only those who meet all of the BCB’s requirements will be granted teams. The same criteria will apply to any foreign franchises expressing interest in participating.
“Franchise selection will be based on the tenders submitted. Only those meeting all of BCB’s standards will be awarded a team,” said Bulbul. “This will also apply to foreign franchises interested in joining the BPL.”