BCL one-dayers set for return after two-year gap

At a time when the cricketers are feeling the pinch of the ICC T20 World Cup exclusion, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is planning to bring back the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) 50-over tournament later this month, to help the players prepare for the home series against Pakistan in March.

The BCL one-dayer tournament was last held in 2023, when the Akbar Ali-led North Zone emerged as champions.

“According to our initial schedule, the tournament was slated to begin on February 20. But we may have to push back the schedule by 2-3 days as the players have been given a lengthy vacation. If the preparation goes well, we may start on the 22nd or 23rd,” a tournament committee official informed.

It was learned that national team players will start fitness training individually before getting two days of practice session in Bogura and Rajshahi, where the tournament will take place.

“We haven’t had a BCL 50-overs tournament in the last two years. This time, we will be using Kookaburra balls since we have the series against Pakistan coming up and most of the national team players will compete in the tournament,” the official added.

The four-team event will see each side play three matches in the league stage and the top two teams will play the final.

The BCB sources informed that they are looking to conclude the tournament by March 3, to give the national team players ample time to gear up for the Pakistan ODIs, set to take place between March 12-16 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The Tigers last played an ODI series against West Indies at home in October 2025. However, with many ODI assignments coming up, the BCB intends to prepare sporting wickets to help the team get into ODI gear.