The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) may be at risk of not being able to take place in 2026 because the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is concerned about the tournament’s financial and franchise issues.
In view of the loss of around **BDT 40 crore in the past two seasons, the board does not want to make haste for another edition, said BCB president Tamim Iqbal.However, the board does not want to hurry towards another edition as it has suffered losses of around *BDT 40 crore* in the past two seasons, said BCB president Tamim Iqbal.
The possibility of cancellation is always there for BPL 2026.
Addressing reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday, Tamim said the BPL should be seen as a means for the Bangladesh cricket to earn money, not lose it.
He said it was a no when asked if the tournament could go ahead in December.
“Think BPL is not going to be held this year,” Tamim said.
He said, however, that the BCB still wants to go ahead with the competition. The board’s focus is on solving the issues, and sometimes it takes six, 12 or 24 months.
The following are the franchise issues under review:
The BCB continues to be concerned about financial issues with franchises.
The board has started discussions regarding unpaid amounts, franchise defaults and bank guarantees. These issues need to be addressed before the BPL can be returned, Tamim said.
The BCB also desires to complete the franchises early as opposed to the previous seasons. Tamim recommended that April or May would be better.
This would provide the board an opportunity of several months to locate a different franchise if the current team doesn’t live up to its financial obligations.
BCB Desires a Profitable Tournament
Tamim feels the BPL is still a valuable product for Bangladesh cricket but the current funding structure of the BPL is not sustainable.
Tournament rules have been an issue for several franchises in recent seasons, and has had a negative impact on the tournament’s reputation.
The BCB president pointed out that the board desires more transparency and better financial protection before planning another edition.
Iceland is seeking to expand the franchise model.Iceland is trying to expand the franchise idea.
The BCB is also mulling over the option of inviting well-known foreign franchise groups to the BPL.
The board will have to consult with lawyers before making a decision, Tamim said, after considering the board’s policies.
There has already been interest from some potential investors, he added. He said, though, that it wasn’t necessarily a foregone conclusion that a franchise would buy a team.
If all the conditions are fulfilled, a recognized foreign franchise can raise the international appeal of the BPL.
Players might be in financial danger.
A situation of BPL postponement may also impact Bangladesh domestic cricketers as they earn a major part of their annual income from the tournament.
Tamim acknowledged their concerns and has been having discussions with players regarding the situation.
He’s aware that players may lose money, but thinks fixing the BPL is more important for the long-term.
India Series may also be rescheduled.
While that, the BCB has declared a Game Development tournament with Under 17, Under 19 and Under 23 teams from August 28 to September 9.
The event will be held at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur.
Timing has been a concern for the Bangladesh side in their upcoming September clash with India. Tamim has said that there is a discussion taking place and the dates may be adjusted.
The development tournament could also be moved to the Bashundhara ground if necessary.
However, the situation with the BPL 2026 is still undecided. It seems that the BCB is not going to let any more seasons pass before it tackles its financial and franchise issues.