Mahbub Anam, the chairman of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), has hinted that, contingent on the timing of the next general elections, the competition might move from its customary December–January timeframe to May. The announcement came after the BPL Board of Directors met in emergency session on Thursday, July 10 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
A day prior, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus had directed all relevant agencies to finish the preparations by December in order to guarantee a peaceful and orderly general election, which is anticipated to occur in early 2026.
Mahbub said that before deciding on the dates for the upcoming BPL edition, they are still awaiting the government’s decision. May is being explored as a backup window to host the competition, he continued.
“The elections may cause the BPL slot to change. Before December, BPL [may be] or another time slot is being planned.
According to Cricbuzz, Mahbub stated, “We will proceed based on the government’s decision, and in this regard, May [window] is another option.”
Mahbub added that the competition, which has been the subject of numerous scandals over the years, will be managed by a sports marketing consulting business. An Expression of Interest (EOI) for the position has already been released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Additionally, he stated that companies who have previously organised international T20 leagues will be given preference.
“An organisation that has organised international T20 leagues and hired qualified officials will be chosen. Experienced businesses would be given priority because novice ones were previously given responsibility, which hurt BCB, Mahbub stated.
“BPL must establish its own standards. BCB needed to accept responsibility for the mistakes that were made in the past. We’ll work to boost BPL’s brand value,” he continued.
A number of businesses have expressed interest in participating in the nation’s sole franchise-based T20 competition, Mahbub, who just took over as BPL chairman from previous BCB president Faruque Ahmed, noted. It is anticipated that the next edition would usher in a new five-year cycle for the league.
Many businesses are expressing interest, but they won’t be evaluated until the new financial model is complete. “BCB will make an effort to speak with the various corporate houses independently,” he stated.
Mahbub added that they are looking into the possibilities of expanding the BPL’s venue count. Currently, Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet are the three venues where the event is held.
“We’ll make an effort to expand the number of locations. If new locations satisfy ICC requirements and offer players enough lodging, they will be added, Mahbub stated.
“An audit has been sent to the stadiums in Bogura and Khulna. Barisal Stadium is during construction, which might potentially be eligible for inclusion. Rajshahi is also being worked on by the National Sports Council. The top four locations that fit the requirements might be included in the next BPL,” he said.
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