The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set for major changes ahead of its next edition, as Fortune Barishal — one of the tournament’s most recognised teams — has officially pulled out. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received ten Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from various corporate entities vying for franchise ownership, signalling renewed enthusiasm and competition within Bangladesh’s premier T20 league.
The development was confirmed by Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, Member Secretary of the BPL Governing Council, who briefed the media at the BCB headquarters in Dhaka on the final day of EOI submission.
Ten Regional Franchise Slots Announced
According to the BCB, the following ten regions were open for franchise ownership in the upcoming season:
| Region | Previous Team Name (if any) |
|---|---|
| Barishal | Fortune Barishal |
| Chattogram | Chittagong Kings |
| Cumilla | Cumilla Victorians |
| Dhaka | Dhaka Capitals |
| Khulna | Khulna Tigers |
| Mymensingh | — |
| Noakhali | — |
| Rajshahi | Rajshahi Kings |
| Rangpur | Rangpur Riders |
| Sylhet | Sylhet Strikers |
The inclusion of Mymensingh and Noakhali as potential new franchise regions reflects BCB’s intent to expand the tournament’s geographical footprint and fan engagement beyond traditional strongholds.
Returning Franchises and New Aspirants
Among the 10 applicants, Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Capitals, Khulna Tigers, and Chittagong Kings were part of last season’s BPL and are looking to retain their spots.
Rangpur Riders are set to continue under the ownership of the Bashundhara Group, who have been instrumental in maintaining the team’s stability and competitive spirit in recent editions.
Walton Group and Remark Harlan have both submitted applications to acquire rights for the Dhaka Capitals franchise, indicating strong interest in representing the capital city.
Desh Travels, a well-known Bangladeshi travel company, has applied to take over the Rajshahi Kings franchise, aiming to revive the city’s cricketing legacy.
Chittagong Kings, despite previous financial disputes with the BCB, have also expressed interest in returning, with SQ Sports submitting their ownership proposal.
Barishal’s Withdrawal: A Setback for Fans
The withdrawal of Fortune Barishal has come as a disappointment to fans in southern Bangladesh, where cricket enjoys immense popularity. Barishal’s franchise had previously drawn large crowds and produced several memorable performances, most notably their strong run in the 2023–24 season, when they reached the playoffs under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan.
However, financial challenges and reported disagreements over franchise fees and sponsorship structures have been cited as reasons behind their non-participation this season.
Historically, Barishal’s presence has been a constant since the early years of the BPL, representing a passionate fan base and a region known for producing top talents such as Mahmudullah Riyad and Fazle Mahmud. Their absence is likely to leave a void, both competitively and culturally, in the tournament’s dynamic.
A Competitive Bidding Landscape
The BPL, established in 2012, has witnessed several ownership changes over the years due to financial, operational, and compliance-related issues. Despite these fluctuations, the league remains one of Bangladesh’s most watched sporting events, drawing millions of viewers domestically and abroad.
With multiple corporate heavyweights now entering the fray, the BCB faces the task of shortlisting franchises that demonstrate financial stability, commitment to grassroots cricket, and the ability to meet operational standards set by the governing council.
Iftekhar Rahman Mithu assured that the evaluation process will be transparent and conducted in accordance with BCB’s franchise ownership regulations. “Our goal is to ensure sustainable participation that benefits both the league and Bangladeshi cricket,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
The final list of approved franchises for the upcoming BPL season is expected to be announced within the next few weeks. Player retention and the players’ draft are likely to follow soon after, paving the way for another highly anticipated season of Bangladesh’s premier T20 competition.
For fans, the 2025 edition promises both continuity and renewal — familiar rivalries like Rangpur Riders vs Dhaka Capitals will return, but the addition of new regional franchises could introduce fresh energy and competitive balance to the tournament.
While Barishal’s absence will be felt, the strong response from corporate applicants suggests that the BPL’s appeal remains as vibrant as ever — a sign that the league continues to grow as a key pillar in Bangladesh’s cricketing landscape.
