The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) governing council has assured a distinctive 12th edition, and it seems that pledge is being fulfilled, albeit with some unexpected elements in play. Traditionally, the tournament has faced challenges at the start, and this year is no different, with a new twist in the rules and procedures. Originally slated to feature five teams, the tournament is now set to kick off on December 19 and conclude tentatively on January 16 with the addition of a sixth team, Noakhali Express. However, clarity is lacking regarding the payment protocols adhered to by the franchises.
According to BPL member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, the decision to include a sixth team was made hastily in response to a request from the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) to involve more local players. Mithu emphasized the importance of financial transparency and integrity for this edition, cautioning that teams failing to meet these criteria may face intervention from the council.
Despite multiple deadline extensions for franchises to furnish bank guarantees, two teams have reportedly not met the payment requirements, while four teams have managed to fulfill their obligations using financial instruments provided by the BCB. As uncertainties loom over the 12th edition, Mithu admitted to the challenges faced in organizing the tournament efficiently on short notice.
Out of the 11 entities that initially expressed interest in participation, five were approved before Noakhali Express joined after submitting the necessary financial instruments. The existing five franchises are: Chattogram Royals (Triangle Services), Dhaka Capitals (Champion Sports Limited), Rajshahi Warriors (Nabil Group), Rangpur Riders (Toggi Sports), and Sylhet Titans (JM Sports and Entertainment).
In other developments, Trans Production Technologies (TPT) has been selected for production service rights, replacing Real Impact as the production provider based on TPT’s experience. Despite the assurances of a unique edition, it appears that familiar challenges persist in the organization of the upcoming BPL season, raising questions about the actual management of the tournament.