To ensure a smooth and transparent BPL, the organizing committee will include legal experts, economists, and marketing specialists from outside the BCB.
After facing challenges in recent seasons, the BPL Governing Council plans to bring in professionals from various fields beyond the BCB to organize the tournament more effectively. Governing Council chairman Mahbub Anam revealed that the committee will include a lawyer, an economist, and a marketing expert.
Following a marathon meeting of BCB directors on Monday, board president Aminul Islam Bulbul mentioned that outside experts would join the BPL organizing committee but did not provide details at that time. Two days later, Mahbub shared the full plan.
According to the BCB’s decision, the 12th edition of the BPL will take place this December-January. Currently, the tournament’s governing council has three members: Mahbub as chairman, BCB director Nazmul Abedin as member secretary, and another director, Fahim Sinha, as a member.
Two days after the board meeting, Mahbub spoke to the media and outlined who will be added to the council.
“First, we need to assess our current position, learn from past experiences, and then move forward. We currently have three members in the council, but we will expand its scope.”
“We will include professionals from various sectors to gain more support. These will come from legal, financial, and marketing backgrounds — people who are experienced in these fields in Bangladesh.”
The board also decided to appoint a sports management company to oversee the upcoming BPL for a better execution. Mahbub explained the process.
“We are studying how various franchise leagues operate worldwide. We have received directives from the board, and next week we will initiate a tender process to hire an event or sports management company.”
“Simply copying another league’s model won’t necessarily work for Bangladesh. Therefore, involving a sports management company is vital. They will guide us, handle the financial framework, and help make the league sustainable — that is our main focus.”
The previous three-year cycle of the BPL concluded with the last season. The BCB has decided to offer franchise rights for the next five years.
The governing council chairman added that the franchise selection process will start next month, with the number of teams finalized by September.
“We will begin the process of selecting new franchises by August. According to our timeline, new franchises will be appointed within September. The player draft will not happen before October.”
“All contracts from the 11th BPL have ended. Currently, the BCB has no agreements with any production company, franchises, or sponsors. So, we are starting fresh from the base level. Previous franchises can reapply, and new ones are welcome too.”
Historically, the BPL has been limited to venues in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Since taking office, the BCB president has expressed the desire to increase the number of venues.
Therefore, starting next week, the BPL governing council will inspect stadiums beyond the current three. They are focusing on the grounds in Bogura, Khulna, and Barishal.
“We will audit all venues where international matches have been played. Bogura and Khulna have hosted international games. If Barishal’s preparations finish before the BPL starts, it could be included as well.”
“The design process for Barishal includes all the necessary facilities. Work is ongoing, but whether it will be completed in time, we do not know. If these three venues are ready, we will then decide how many venues the BPL will use.”
