Franchises seek five-year BPL calendar

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchises have called for a five-year calendar for the country’s flagship T20 tournament, saying greater certainty is needed to make the competition more sustainable and attractive to players.

Representatives of Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Capitals and Rajshahi Warriors made the demand during a meeting with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal at the BCB headquarters on Saturday, while also expressing willingness to accept changes to the tournament structure.

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Rangpur Riders managing director and CEO Ishtiaque Sadeque questioned the sustainability of the current model, admitting that the franchise still has payments pending for some local and overseas players from the latest edition.

“But even now, after January, it has probably been seven or eight months running, we still have some local and international players whose payments are pending,” he said.

Ishtiaque blamed sponsors’ failure to fulfil their financial commitments, saying the market situation was deteriorating.

“Rather than doing a so-called BPL, making a commitment that I will pay Tk 30 lakh, but then not paying the player’s last Tk 15 lakh, not answering the phone and disappearing, it would be better to take some time and do it under a better model,” he said.

“We have asked for a five-year calendar. Because when we go to contract players, there are a minimum of 20 franchise cricket leagues in the international T20 market. So our BPL gets the lowest priority,” he added.

We have asked for a five-year calendar. Because when we go to contract players, there are a minimum of 20 franchise cricket leagues in the international T20 market. So our BPL gets the lowest priority

Ishtiaque Sadeque, Rangpur Riders managing director and CEO

Rajshahi Warriors CEO Mokhsedul Kamal Babu admitted disappointment over the break in continuity but said they were willing to accept the disruption if it helped build a stronger competition.

“Are we disappointed? Yes, we certainly are, because the continuity of a league is very important. The BPL is not just about a few days of matches. Beyond that, every franchise has a lot of work to do,” Babu said.

Dhaka Capitals CEO Atik Fahad said they were also willing to give Tamim time to improve the tournament.

“BCB president said the BPL will surely take place but he wants some time. Tamim bhai wants to increase the quality of the BPL and wants a good model. We agree to give him time,” he said.

Meanwhile, players are set to meet BCB officials today to discuss the tournament’s future.

CWAB president Mohammad Mithun said players would first hold an internal meeting before sitting with the board.

“I can’t give the decision solely. The national players have just returned from Australia. So all the players are coming tomorrow [Sunday] and we will hold a meeting within us first and then after we will sit with the BCB and come to a decision,” Mithun told The Daily Star.