The upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL 2026) season is set to be postponed. Usually, the BPL takes place every year during the December-January window. However, for the BPL 2026 season, that window looks likely to be possible, as General Elections are set to take place, said BPL chairman Mahbub Anam. The chair made a public announcement after an emergency meeting of the board of directors at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday, July 10.
Incidentally, the major BPL update came after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who advised all concerned parties to complete all legal formalities by December 2025 to ensure a peaceful general election expected to take place in early 2026. Mehbub also stated that they are waiting for approval from the government before proceeding with the next steps.
"BPL slot may change due to the elections," said Mahbub. "BPL [could be] before December, or another slot is being planned. We will take the next steps depending on the government's decision, and in this regard, May [window] is another option."
BPL to hire sports marketing consultancy firm to run the T20 league
In another development, the BPL is also set to hire a sports marketing consultancy to run the BPL 2026 season. This decision comes after the BPL was entangled in a lot of controversy. The BCB has already given an advertisement for EOI (Express of Interest). The BCB also publicly made an announcement of the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the appointment of a sports marketing consultancy firm. Mahbub also said that priority will be given to those who have conducted T20 leagues in the past.
"An agency with experience in organizing international T20 leagues and skilled officials will be appointed. In the past, responsibility was given to inexperienced companies, which harmed BCB, so experienced ones will be prioritized," he said.
"BPL needs to set up its standard. In the past, there were some mistakes, and BCB needs to take responsibility. We will try to increase the brand value of BPL," he said.
Mahbub said that a lot of sports marketing firms have shown interest in running the Country's only T20 league, which is also expected to have a new five-year cycle for the next edition.
"A lot of companies are showing interest, but they will be assessed only after the new financial model is finalized. BCB will try to communicate with the different corporate houses on their own," he.
Mahbub also further stated that they are trying to add venues for next year's BPL 2026 season, as currently, the T20 league is only being played at three venues - Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.
"We will try to increase the number of venues. New venues will be added if they meet ICC standards and provide suitable accommodation for players," he said.
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"Bogura and Khulna stadiums have been sent for auditing. Work is ongoing at Barisal Stadium, which may also qualify for inclusion. The National Sports Council is working on Rajshahi as well. Among these four venues, the best ones that meet the criteria could be added to the upcoming BPL," he added.
