The BCB had earlier announced its efforts to revamp the franchise-based T20 league, the BPL. After a meeting with representatives from the Prime Minister’s office, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and broadcasting rights holders earlier this month, the BCB expressed its intention to popularize the BPL both domestically and internationally. They are also exploring ways to make the tournament more engaging and build it into a brand, with plans to organize youth festivals around the country in connection with the BPL. BCB Director Nazmul Abedin further mentioned that the spirit of the student uprising of July-August will be reflected in various stages of the BPL.
In a video message, BCB President Faruk Ahmed shared their plans for the 11th BPL. Faruk stated, “We’ve had a new government due to the student uprising against inequality. We’ve tried to make this BPL different from the previous ten. We’ve put a lot of planning into it, and I hope it will be an excellent tournament that will satisfy everyone, and you all will enjoy the BPL.”
“We have instructed the TV production team to ensure top-notch quality for both the telecast and production. Hawk-Eye, DRS—everything will be there. We are working to improve the quality of umpiring and will have foreign umpires,” added Faruk, while discussing the arrangements for the upcoming BPL season.
The schedule for the 11th BPL has also been released today. The BPL will take place in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram. The opening match on December 30 at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium will feature Fortune Barishal against Durbar Rajshahi, with two matches scheduled each day in the group stage. The final will be held in Mirpur on February 7.
Discussing the production plans for this BPL season, Faruk mentioned, “We’ve requested digital perimeter boards from those who hold the digital rights. We’ve asked the TV production team to ensure that both the broadcast and production quality are excellent. Hawk-Eye, DRS—everything will be there. We’re also focusing on improving umpiring quality, including bringing in foreign umpires. Commentary is a crucial element, and we’re working to enhance its quality. We’ve discussed bringing star commentators with the production team. Considering everything, I think it’s going to be a great BPL.”
The BCB President also shared a message for the franchise teams, “Ten seasons of BPL have passed, and we haven’t yet built a solid foundation. This BPL will be the last tournament of this cycle. From next year, we plan to make bigger changes and offer longer contracts to the teams. But for now, I urge the teams to prepare in terms of foreign player selection, training schedules, and all other arrangements.”
“We’re trying to keep the stands clean, with dedicated water corners where fans can get water. This initiative will have a name, which you’ll see when the BPL begins, and we’ll try to offer the water for free.”
The BCB President also conveyed a message for fans and viewers, “This time, we’re aiming to go digital so everyone can easily buy tickets and enjoy the matches. We’ll be hosting the BPL across three venues—starting in Dhaka, then moving to Sylhet, then Chattogram, and back to Dhaka for the final round. Those who want to attend the games can purchase digital tickets through various apps and platforms. We’re progressing with this, and we hope to have our digital platform ready within the month.”
Additionally, Faruk mentioned that upon the Sports Advisor’s request, the Chief Advisor is actively involved in this season’s BPL. Faruk said, “As you all know, Dr. Muhammad Yunus helped secure the Olympic bid for France in 2014 or 2016 through his influential speech. Our Sports Advisor, Asif Mahmud, invited him to help enhance the BPL’s impact. We’ve tried to incorporate his thoughtful ideas into this BPL. We’re working towards making the stadium a zero-waste zone with clean stands.
