The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to launch its newly approved six-team domestic cricket model at the Kabi Jibanananda Das Stadium in Barishal, with all three formats, first-class four-day, List A one-day and List A T20, set to begin there.
A BCB official confirmed the development to TIMES, saying Barishal will serve as the starting point for the new domestic structure.
The inaugural T20 competition is scheduled to start in December, with Barishal also set to host the opening ceremony, playoffs and final, although some matches during the tournament will be played in Dhaka.
“The six-team tournament will start in Barishal, and all three formats will kick off there. The opening ceremony will also take place in Barishal, while the playoffs and final will be held there as well. Some matches in between will be played in Dhaka,” the official said on the condition of anonymity.
The launch of the new model comes as the Barishal stadium nears the completion of a major Tk65 crore modernisation project after more than two decades of neglect and inactivity. The National Sports Council (NSC) is overseeing the project, which is expected to be handed over by mid-September.
A BCB Ground Committee official confirmed that the stadium’s pitch is ready, while work on the outfield is nearing completion. The remaining work includes allowing the newly laid grass to grow and settle after the soil and base preparation has been completed.
The indoor practice facility is also ready and is already being used by teams participating in the National Cricket League (NCL).
The BCB Board of Directors approved the new six-team domestic structure at its fourth meeting on Sunday, agreeing in principle to bring first-class four-day, List A one-day and List A T20 cricket under a single competition framework.
The T20 tournament will be the first event under the new model, with December 2026 set as the tentative window. The board also agreed to offer team ownership rights to established corporate and financial institutions for an initial three-year period.
