The Bangladesh Premier League faces a familiar crisis ahead of its twelfth edition, with financial uncertainty threatening the tournament’s smooth execution. Several franchises, including newcomers Noakhali Express, have yet to meet the board’s stringent requirements of a 20 million taka franchise fee and a 100 million taka bank guarantee.
Governing Council Secretary Iftikhar Rahman conceded at a Mirpur press conference that franchises are struggling due to the country’s banking constraints, yet questions linger: why impose conditions that may be impossible to fulfil? Without full compliance, franchises may be barred from participating in the 30 November draft.
This uncertainty continues a long-standing pattern. Since 2012, the BPL has repeatedly compromised on rules when financial or ethical risks emerge, prioritising tournament continuity over strict governance. Even allegations of match-fixing from previous seasons have not prevented suspected individuals from participating this year, suggesting that accountability remains inconsistent.
While the board has contingency plans, including the possibility of directly managing teams, the situation underscores a broader lack of trust between organisers and franchises. Observers argue that the league’s financial and ethical challenges threaten its credibility, leaving supporters apprehensive.
As the BPL 2025 approaches, the combination of incomplete financial compliance, lingering doubts about player integrity, and the board’s historically flexible approach suggests that controversy may once again overshadow the on-field action.