Fortune Barishal request BPL rescheduling amid preparation concerns
Defending Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) champions Fortune Barishal have requested the tournament’s governing council to reschedule the upcoming edition, citing insufficient time to adequately prepare.
Following the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) announcement that the 2025-26 BPL season would begin in mid-December and feature only five teams, Fortune Barishal owner Mizanur Rahman voiced strong concerns over the tight timeline. He has urged the board to push the tournament to a later date, suggesting April or May as a more feasible window.
“I haven’t said that I won’t play in the BPL,” Mizanur clarified in a statement to Cricbuzz. “But in this short span of time, it will be difficult for a team like us to prepare. Even if we have players, we need to organize funds, get the equipment, and arrange logistics. Even if we work 24 hours a day, it won’t be possible in just one or one-and-a-half months.”
The BCB opened Expressions of Interest (EOI) for franchise ownership for five upcoming BPL editions (seasons 12 to 16), identifying ten potential franchise regions: Barishal, Chattogram, Cumilla, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Noakhali, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Sylhet.
“As part of a transparent and merit-based process, the BPL Governing Council will consider a minimum of five eligible EOI submissions for the 12th edition of the BPL T20 (2026),” the board said in an official statement.
Amid speculation that Barishal may withdraw from the competition, Mizanur reiterated their commitment to participating — if sufficient time is provided.
“We’ve always been with the game and are not out of it,” he said. “If the slot is changed, we’ll definitely play. But I don’t think it’s right to do the BPL just for the sake of it or without us. Any good team would find it difficult to prepare in such a short time.”
He also questioned whether other experienced teams like Rangpur Riders would be ready to compete under the current timeline, suggesting that only newer or less experienced teams may be able to manage a rushed preparation.
On Tamim Iqbal and player availability
Mizanur also addressed concerns surrounding Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal, following comments made by the former Bangladesh captain in which he hinted at boycotting cricket under the new BCB administration, now led by Aminul Islam.
“I don’t think there’s any such issue with Tamim not playing the BPL,” Mizanur said. “He was referring to general cricketing matters. If the BPL happens, I’ll request him to play, and I believe if Barishal are part of the tournament, Tamim will play.”
What's next?
The BCB has yet to officially respond to Barishal’s request for rescheduling. With the tournament just two months away, and franchise confirmations still pending, it remains to be seen whether the governing body will accommodate a shift in the schedule or press ahead with the December start.
Fortune Barishal won the previous BPL season and remain one of the competition’s most prominent franchises. Their potential absence or late entry could significantly impact the structure and appeal of the 2025-26 edition.