![Bangladesh Premier League [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766038150693_BPL_news (1).jpg)
Bangladesh Premier League [Source: AFP]
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), one of the country’s most popular leagues, is set to begin on December 26, 2025. Notably, The opening match will see Sylhet Strikers face Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet. However, unlike previous years, the tournament will start without a grand opening ceremony.
BCB postpones BPL opening ceremony over security concerns
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to postpone the opening ceremony due to security concerns. BCB President Aminul Islam announced the decision on December 17, saying the board wants to avoid large public gatherings at this time.
Earlier plans had included a colourful opening ceremony in Dhaka on December 24, two days before the first match. That plan has now been dropped.
"We won't do an opening ceremony because the overall situation of the country plus security is a big factor here. Our job is to make sure the cricket matches run well. So, we are keeping focus on all sides. But at this moment, we are paying more attention to cricket," Aminul told reporters in a private programme.
According to Cricbuzz reports, there was a suggestion to hold the opening ceremony a few days later than planned.
The current political situation in Bangladesh has also played a role in the decision. With national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, security across the country has become a sensitive issue.
Soon after the announcement, the BPL Governing Council released an official statement supporting the decision. The council said it acted on government advice to avoid large crowds and mass gatherings.
"Aligned with the current advice from the Bangladesh Government on mass gatherings, and with the objective of ensuring maximum protection for everyone concerned, the BPL Governing Council has decided not to organize any pre-event function or opening ceremony involving large crowds. The Governing Council of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an exciting and competitive 12th edition of the tournament, scheduled to commence on 26 December 2025 in Sylhet," the BPL Governing Council said in a press release.
This season’s BPL will feature six teams, one fewer than last year. Defending champions Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers will not take part in this edition. The final of the BPL 2025–26 season is scheduled to be held on January 23, 2026.
