BPL faces delay as BCB targets financial overhaul

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal has ruled out rushing the next Bangladesh Premier League, saying the franchise-based T20 tournament will only return once the board addresses losses of around Tk40 crore incurred across the last two editions.

“Franchise cricket is supposed to make money for Bangladesh Cricket Board. Not lose money so there is something going wrong,” Tamim told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. “Until and unless we fix the issues, it is not absolutely important for us to host this event every year.”

The BPL is scheduled for the end of 2026, but Tamim said he does not currently expect the tournament to be staged this year. “I don’t think so. I don’t think BPL will be held this year,” he said, adding that the board would take six, 12 or even 24 months to establish a sustainable model if necessary.

Defaults and guarantees under review

The BCB has begun communicating with franchises to resolve missed payments, defaults and problems involving bank guarantees. Tamim wants franchise agreements completed by April or May, rather than waiting until August or September, to give the board three or four months to replace any team that fails to meet its obligations.

“I could put five teams together tomorrow if I wanted to, but do you want that?” Tamim said. He argued that the BPL’s status as a major sporting product requires transparency, advance planning and protection for Bangladesh cricket.

Several teams have reportedly broken tournament rules in recent seasons, while the competition has faced repeated questions about its quality and financial administration. Tamim said the board would only proceed after moving the BPL toward a profit-making position.

Players face lost income

Tamim acknowledged that delaying the tournament could hurt local cricketers, for whom BPL earnings represent a significant part of their annual income. He said he was communicating with players directly and understood their disappointment from his own experience as a former player.

“It is true that they will suffer financial losses, but they also understand that the BPL should be a tournament that the BCB and Bangladesh can be proud of,” he said.

Foreign franchises remain a possibility

The BCB is also considering whether established overseas franchise owners could enter the competition. Tamim said the board would review the relevant national and BCB policies with lawyers. Although there is interest from potential investors, he stressed that interest does not necessarily mean a team will be purchased.

“If a renowned foreign franchise comes, the acceptability of the BPL will increase,” Tamim said, while leaving the possibility open if the legal and commercial conditions prove favourable.

India series dates may change

The BCB has announced a Game Development tournament for Under-17, Under-19 and Under-23 players at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from August 28 to September 9. The schedule has raised the possibility that Bangladesh’s planned September series against India could be rearranged.

Tamim said discussions over the India series were continuing and that the dates might move. The development tournament could also be shifted to the Bashundhara ground if required, allowing the BCB to finalise the schedule once the India series dates are confirmed.