BCL to kick off before DPL takes centre stage

After months of uncertainty, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has set the stage for the resumption of domestic competitions, including the Dhaka Premier League (DPL). A key meeting was held on Thursday at the Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Representatives from 10 of the 12 Premier League clubs attended, along with members of the BCB’s ad hoc committee led by Tamim Iqbal. Legends of Rupganj and Brothers Union were absent due to prior commitments, though they expressed agreement with the discussions.

A CCDM source confirmed that the BCB is targeting 5 May as a tentative DPL start date, with the player transfer window set for April 22. The four-day Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) is scheduled to begin on April 21, with its first two rounds serving as preparation for Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series against Pakistan in May. The league will then pause to allow the DPL to take centre stage, likely across six venues in and around Dhaka.

Club representatives expressed optimism about the imminent start. Ziaur Rahman Topu of Mohammedan Sporting Club said that while the DPL usually concludes with a Super League after the round-robin stage, the format will be altered this season due to time constraints. Instead, the title will be decided through a single round-robin league, with each team playing 11 matches.

To streamline the schedule, the BCB plans to expand the number of venues from three to six, enabling each round to be completed in a single day rather than two, as in previous editions. Proposed venues include Bashundhara Sports City, BKSP, Silicon Sports Valley, and Cricketers Academy.

The board will provide Tk 25 lakh to each team to cover operational costs, supply lunch, and distribute cricket equipment through CCDM according to club requirements. Reserve days between rounds were also discussed to account for rain, though no final decision has been made. The BCB is expected to announce the official schedule and transfer details soon.

Safety measures have also been strengthened. Following his heart attack during the previous DPL, BCB president Tamim Iqbal has mandated ICU-equipped ambulances at all venues for this season’s tournament.