BPL 2025-26: Matches shifted from Chattogram to Sylhet, Dhaka
What's the story
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a major change in the schedule of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the country's only franchise-based T20 tournament. The board has decided to host all matches in Sylhet and Dhaka, leaving Chattogram out of the list of venues, as per Cricbuzz. The decision comes after circumstances related to national leader Begum Khaleda Zia forced a halt in the tournament.
Reasoning
BPL governing council's explanation for venue change
Iftekhar Rahman, the secretary of the BPL governing council, explained the reason behind this decision. He said a two-day gap in the schedule necessitated bringing BPL to just two venues. "We cannot adjust it (the two days) without this (playing the tournament in two venues). So we are sorry for the fans of Chattogram but under current circumstances we have to cancel the game in Chattogram," Rahman told reporters on Tuesday.
New plan
Revised schedule for BPL 2025-26
The revised schedule will see matches at Sylhet International Stadium until January 12, before shifting to Dhaka. The latter stages of the tournament will be held at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur from January 15. The Eliminator is set for January 19, followed by first Qualifier later that day in a double-header. After a rest day, second Qualifier will be played on January 21 with final on January 23.
Pitch worries
Concerns over Sylhet's pitch conditions
There were concerns from the cricketing community over BCB's decision to host matches in Sylhet until January 12, as the pitches there could be under-prepared due to heavy usage. However, Iftekhar assured that they will use four pitches instead of two in Sylhet to ensure quality playing surfaces throughout the tournament. This move is aimed at keeping up with international standards and ensuring a fair competition for all teams involved.