Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchises have urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to implement a five-year tournament calendar to ensure financial stability and attract top-tier international talent.
Representatives from the Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Capitals and Rajshahi Warriors presented this demand during a Saturday meeting with BCB President Tamim Iqbal expressing a willingness to accept structural delays if they lead to a stronger competition.
Rangpur Riders CEO Ishtiaque Sadeque revealed that payments for several local and overseas players from the previous BPL season remain unpaid. He blamed defaulting sponsors who fail to honor financial commitments also arguing that the league must halt its current flawed model rather than continue allowing sponsors to disappear without paying players.
With over 20 franchise T20 leagues operating worldwide, Sadeque noted that the BPL currently holds the lowest priority for international players. A five-year schedule would give franchises the necessary lead time to secure quality contracts.
Despite frustration over the lack of continuity the Rajshahi CEO Mokhsedul Kamal Babu and Dhaka CEO Atik Fahad publicly backed Tamim’s request for time to develop a sustainable with high-quality tournament framework.
National cricketers returning from Australia will hold an internal meeting on Sunday. Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) President Mohammad Mithun stated that players will consolidate their position before engaging in definitive talks with BCB officials.
