Amid ongoing speculation regarding the future of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has signaled a major shift in its domestic cricket strategy. During a press conference held at the BCB headquarters on Thursday afternoon, Board President Tamim Iqbal announced that the organization is actively working on a new model for its franchise-based T20 competition. The board aims to finalize these plans and provide an official announcement by October.
The move follows years of controversy surrounding the BPL, particularly concerning financial irregularities and persistent delays in player payments. Allegations have surfaced that even after the conclusion of the most recent season, many cricketers have yet to receive their full dues. In response to these concerns, the board has held two rounds of discussions with players to address the need for a more sustainable and transparent structure. While it remains unclear if this initiative will serve as a direct replacement for the BPL or a complete rebranding, the board is exploring a format featuring six teams owned by corporate entities, potentially under the name ‘Bangladesh First’. These owners would have the autonomy to brand their respective franchises.
Beyond the structural changes to the tournament, the BCB is prioritizing the financial security of domestic cricketers. A significant increase in match fees has been approved to bolster player earnings. For men’s cricket, the match fee for four-day matches has been raised to 150,000 BDT, while fees for One Day Internationals and T20 matches have been set at 100,000 BDT and 80,000 BDT, respectively.
The board is also implementing substantial improvements for women’s cricket, including the transition of three-day matches into four-day fixtures. Under the new pay structure, female cricketers will receive 40,000 BDT for four-day matches. Additionally, match fees for women’s One Day and T20 games have been fixed at 30,000 BDT and 20,000 BDT, respectively. These adjustments reflect the board’s broader commitment to restructuring the domestic game and ensuring fair compensation for athletes across all levels.
