BPL 2025-26 (Source: @BDcrictimes/X.com)
In a significant development in Bangladesh cricket, the 12th edition of BPL will kick off on December 19, 11 days earlier than the previous season. Further, the dates for the players' draft are also out, and the mega-event will take place on November 17.
A report from BDcrictimes stated that the preparations for the upcoming event are in full swing, and only five teams will take part in BPL 2025-26. Notably, the previous edition featured seven teams, but defending champions Fortune Barishals and Khulna Tigers won't be a part of the upcoming season.
The five confirmed teams are Rangpur Riders, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Dhaka and Sylhet. Rangpur will be owned by Toggi Sports, Chattogram by Triangle Sports, Rajshahi by Nabil Group, Dhaka by Champion Sports, and Sylhet by Cricket with Sami.
Notably, 11 parties were interested in the league but only five teams were eventually finalised for the upcoming season.
Why is Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers not part of BPL 2025-26?
The Bangladesh Premier League was hit with controversies, and there were a few irregularities, such as corruption claims and also match-fixing allegations.
In a surprising move, defending Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) champions Fortune Barishal have decided not to take part in the tournament for the next five seasons. The franchise, owned by Fortune Shoes, officially informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of its withdrawal, creating a major shake-up just weeks before the new season’s player draft.
Barishal’s management had earlier asked the BPL governing council to delay the upcoming season, saying they needed more time to prepare their team. They claimed that the short notice made it difficult to build a strong squad. However, the demand was not met, and the team decided to pull out of the tournament for five years.
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