Bangladesh Premier League Season Likely Postponed to May Amid Election Concerns

The upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season is likely to be rescheduled, moving from its traditional December-January slot to May, according to BPL Chairman Mahbub Anam. The possible shift is due to the anticipated general elections. Anam's announcement followed an emergency meeting of the board of directors held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday, July 10th.

BCB awaits government decision on BPL schedule © BCB

This announcement occurred a day after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus instructed all relevant agencies to finalize preparations by December to ensure smooth and peaceful general elections, expected in early 2026.

Anam emphasized that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is awaiting the government's decision before finalizing the schedule for the BPL. He mentioned that May is being considered as an alternative window for hosting the tournament.

"The BPL slot may change due to the elections," Anam stated. "The BPL could be held before December, or another slot is being planned. We will take the next steps depending on the government's decision, and in this regard, May is another option."

Furthermore, Anam revealed plans to engage a sports marketing consultancy firm to manage the tournament, which has faced considerable controversy in the past.

The BCB has already issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the appointment of a sports marketing consultancy firm. Anam clarified that priority will be given to firms with experience in conducting international T20 leagues.

"Agencies with experience organizing international T20 leagues and possessing skilled officials will be appointed," he said. "In the past, responsibility was given to inexperienced companies, which harmed the BCB, so experienced ones will be prioritized."

He added, "BPL needs to establish its own standard. In the past, there were some mistakes, and the BCB needs to take responsibility. We will try to increase the brand value of BPL."

Anam, who recently succeeded Faruque Ahmed as BPL chairman, noted the significant interest from companies in participating in the country's only franchise-based T20 tournament, which is expected to commence a new five-year cycle for the next edition.

"Many companies are showing interest, but they will be assessed only after the new financial model is finalized. The BCB will try to communicate with different corporate houses on their own," he stated.

Expanding the tournament's reach is also a priority. Anam mentioned that they are considering increasing the number of venues for the BPL. Currently, matches are held in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

"We will try to increase the number of venues. New venues will be added if they meet ICC standards and provide suitable accommodation for players," he explained.

"Bogura and Khulna stadiums have been sent for auditing. Work is ongoing at Barisal Stadium, which may also qualify for inclusion. The National Sports Council is working on Rajshahi as well. Among these four venues, the best ones that meet the criteria could be added to the upcoming BPL," he concluded.