The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially confirmed plans to stage the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in its familiar December-January window, mirroring the schedule of the previous year. The decision was reached during a marathon six-hour-long 19th board of directors meeting held on Monday at the BCB's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium headquarters.
The board's extensive discussions also revealed a strategic shift towards enhancing the tournament's operational efficiency and long-term stability. The BCB intends to engage an external event management company to oversee the smooth running of the BPL, a move aimed at professionalising the league's execution. Furthermore, the board is actively considering offering five-year agreements to franchises for the upcoming cycle, providing greater security and encouraging long-term investment in the teams.
Speaking after the board meeting, BCB Director Iftekhar Rahman Mithu elaborated on the new structure, confirming that the next BPL would indeed commence in December-January and that team ownership would be granted for a five-year period. He also indicated that the BPL's Governing Council would now include external members, suggesting a broader base of expertise for the league's administration.
Regarding the potential inclusion of foreign franchises, Mithu stated that the process would be "open to all." He explained that the BCB would establish clear criteria, drawing upon its own experience and consulting with agencies that have successfully managed similar ventures.
"Once those criteria are set, the Board will make a decision," Mithu affirmed. "If they meet the criteria and align with our government's policies, then foreign franchises will be able to acquire teams."
The upcoming edition will see Fortune Barishal enter as the reigning champions, having secured the title last season with a three-wicket victory over Chittagong Kings in the grand final.
The BCB's latest announcements signal a concerted effort to strengthen the BPL's commercial and organisational foundations, aiming for a more robust and attractive league in the years to come.
