BCB Set to Introduce New Venue for the upcoming BPL season

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is currently being played across its three usual venues — Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is now thinking about expanding the tournament by adding another venue.

The update came from BCB Director and Head of Cricket Operations, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, who spoke to the media during a warm-up match between the Bangladesh Tigers and the High Performance (HP) Unit in Chattogram.

Bangladesh’s only franchise-based T20 tournament has often faced criticism, with many asking for modernization and reform. In response, the BCB is again promising to improve the BPL. Under the leadership of governing council member Mahbub Anam, the board is taking planned steps to raise the BPL’s profile on the global stage.

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BCB Plans to Add a New Venue in the Next BPL Season

While a full home-and-away format in the BPL is not yet possible, BCB Director and Head of Cricket Operations, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, said that adding one more venue for the upcoming edition would be a big step forward.

“It might not be possible right away, since preparing a venue takes time. But yes, we're considering it. If we can move from three to four venues this year, it would be fantastic,” Fahim said.

He added, “Looking ahead, if more grounds are made ready and included, BPL can move to the next level.” The BCB had earlier shown interest in expanding the BPL beyond its regular cities so that more fans across the country can watch live matches and to improve regional cricket facilities. Barishal and Rajshahi stadiums are under consideration, while Bogura’s Shaheed Chandu Stadium is unlikely due to logistical and infrastructure problems. Fahim said the goal is to add one new venue every year so that eventually each BPL team will have its home ground.

Possible Asia Cup Impact and Event Management Changes

The warm-up match between the Bangladesh Tigers and the HP Unit led to questions about whether good performances there could affect selection for the Asia Cup 2025. Fahim explained that while there is no direct link, standout players could still catch the selectors’ eye.

“Not directly. There are players here who could make the Asia Cup squad if they get a chance. But that’s up to the selectors. One or two names might be considered, but the focus here is on prospects—players who may soon challenge those in the national team,” he said.

In another major move, the BCB is planning to hand over BPL event management to an external company. On July 10, they invited event management firms to submit their interest. Five companies responded, including four from abroad.

Among the interested companies, the most well-known is IMG, which managed the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 to 2021. The IPG Group, which organises the Pakistan Super League (PSL), is also in the running. The other contenders are Apex Sports Consulting, Real Impact and Absolute Legends Sports, and Mind Tree Limited and Transport Group. The BCB is expected to choose the final event organiser soon.