Franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League say they would rather sit out a season than carry on with the current model. Representatives of Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Capitals and defending champions Rajshahi Warriors met BCB president Tamim Iqbal at the board’s headquarters on 29 August to discuss the league’s future.
Tamim had already suggested the BPL would not be held this year. He said the BCB had lost around Tk 40 crore over the previous two seasons, and hoped franchises could be finalised by April-May 2027.
A fixed five-year calendar
The franchises said they could accept extra time, provided any return comes with fundamental changes. Rangpur Riders managing director and CEO Ishtiaque Sadeque said they want a five-year calendar so squads can be planned and the league can compete better for overseas players.
He argued that, despite existing for more than a decade, the BPL has not built a sustainable structure. With many franchise T20 leagues chasing the same international players, the BPL is at a disadvantage when it has no dates fixed far ahead. The teams want the BCB to announce the window and schedule for the next five years so contracts and sponsorships can be organised.
Unpaid bills
Money problems were a major theme. Ishtiaque said some local and overseas players were still waiting for payment months after the last BPL ended, and blamed late sponsor payments in large part.
He said it would be better to step back and build a sustainable system than to keep running a model that leaves franchises unable to meet their commitments. The teams want the BCB and owners to design a new structure covering dates, scheduling, player contracts and finances.
Mixed feelings on a break
Rajshahi Warriors CEO Moksadul Kamal Babu said missing a season would be disappointing because continuity matters in a professional league, given the year-round work on squads and sponsors. Still, he said Rajshahi would accept a temporary disruption if it led to a stronger BPL.
Dhaka Capitals CEO Atik Fahad went further, saying he would not continue under the system used in the last two seasons. He described the choice as one between the existing model and a break for comprehensive reforms.
The BCB is reviewing the tournament’s future, and a one-year postponement remains possible. Talks with franchises and other stakeholders are expected to continue.
