Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal has officially ruled out the possibility of hosting the upcoming edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in 2026. Speaking at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday, the board chief emphasized that the country’s premier T20 franchise tournament will remain on hold until the organization can rectify significant financial losses incurred during the previous two seasons.
The board has reported a deficit of approximately BDT 40 Crore over the last two years of the tournament. Tamim expressed his frustration with the current model, stating that franchise cricket is intended to generate revenue for the board rather than deplete its resources. He stressed that while the board is fully committed to the tournament, he refuses to rush the process. He noted that if it takes six, 12, or even 24 months to establish a sustainable framework, he is prepared to wait.
Addressing the timeline for the tournament, Tamim dismissed the prospect of holding the event this December. He explained that the board has begun communicating with franchises to address issues such as defaults, missed payments, and bank guarantees. His goal is to secure a stable lineup of franchises by April or May, providing a three-to-four-month buffer to find replacements if any entity fails to meet its obligations. This proactive approach is designed to protect the integrity of the BPL and prevent the board from falling into avoidable crises.
Tamim acknowledged the impact this decision has on local players, for whom BPL earnings represent a significant portion of their annual income. He stated that he is personally in contact with the cricketers and understands their disappointment, but maintained that the tournament must be a source of national pride rather than a source of controversy. He pointed out that several teams have previously struggled with rule violations, and he is willing to endure criticism to ensure the product is organized with transparency and dignity.
The board is also exploring the possibility of inviting renowned foreign franchises to participate, which could enhance the tournament’s global standing. Tamim noted that legal teams are currently reviewing policies to determine if such an expansion is viable. While there is interest from various parties, he clarified that there is a distinction between expressing interest and successfully acquiring a team, and the board will only proceed if the conditions are favorable.
Beyond the BPL, the BCB is currently finalizing its domestic calendar, with roughly 60 to 70 percent of the work completed. As part of its development efforts, the board has announced a tournament for Under-17, Under-19, and Under-23 players, scheduled to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from August 28 to September 9.
Regarding the upcoming India series, which is currently slated for September, Tamim indicated that the schedule remains fluid. Discussions are ongoing, and the board may adjust dates or relocate the development tournament to the Bashundhara ground if necessary. He confirmed that the final schedule for the India series will be determined once all logistical details are settled. The report also notes that amounting to BDT 40 Crores, the BCB president insisted that he is not ready to host BPL unless he can fix the financial losses the board incurred during the last two editions. The report also notes that “I have said it a few times that I don’t want to organise the BPL this way. The report also notes that not lose money so there is something going wrong. The report also notes that when asked if he feels that there is enough time to host BPL in the coming December, Tamim answered negatively. The report also notes that i don’t think BPL will be held this year,” he said. The report also notes that “A tournament from which the BCB is supposed to make a profit is instead making losses.
