BPL to focus on international players' availability before scheduling future editions

BPL defending champions Comilla Victorians 

With an influx of T20 leagues around the globe, franchises are facing a scarcity of international players. In hopes of witnessing more participation from international players, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are planning to schedule its premiere T20 league, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), based on the availability of foreign players.

The BCB recently confirmed dates for BPL 2023 (January 6-February 16), BPL 2024 (January 6-February 17), and BPL 2025 (January 1-February 11). BPL faces stiff competition from SA 20, Big Bash League (BBL), and International League T20 (ILT20) for a window. 

According to cricbuzz, BPL governing council member secretary Ismail Haider confirmed the same and also hinted that the cap on foreign members in the squad will be lifted for future editions.

"We cannot change the schedule (for 2023) due to national team. In that case maximum four [overseas] players can play in the XI while we are planning that there should be at least two foreigners in each playing XI. We will not put any obligation on foreign player registration, it will remain open. For example, someone comes and plays for three days, later the franchise can bring another cricketer as his replacement, we have such thoughts,"

"There will be no limitation on foreign signing because there are lots of tournaments besides IPL and it is difficult to get foreign players. Basically there is no alternative other than holding this tournament on said dates in 2023. Probably in the next year or the year after, it will not be a problem as we will do better if we play the tournament a bit earlier."

The upcoming edition of the BPL 2023 will be held across three cities - Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet. 

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