BCB to Discuss Holding BPL on Schedule Amid Current Situation

Sports Desk

The 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is scheduled to start in Sylhet on December 26 as per the schedule. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is taking into consideration the ongoing political unrest and violent situation in the country. They are still committed to organizing the BPL on time, but they are going to hold a meeting on Saturday to discuss it.

BPL member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu said, “We are moving forward with the plan to start the game on the 26th. We are going to hold a meeting tomorrow, but there is no chance of backing out of the tournament at this time.”

The BCB initially wanted to hold the BPL opening ceremony in Dhaka on December 24, but later backed out of that decision.
“The BPL Governing Council has decided not to organize any pre-events or opening ceremonies that would attract large crowds,” the BCB said in a press release on Wednesday.

Security concerns grew further on Thursday night following the death of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi’s supporters and members of the Islami Chhatra Shibir attacked The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and Chhayanaut Bhaban.

The police and army were silent spectators to this attack. The interim government took responsibility by issuing a statement 16 hours after the incident. In such a situation, it is a matter of deep concern how much confidence foreign players will have in coming to Bangladesh.

With just one week left for the start of the BPL, the teams are scheduled to gather in Sylhet by December 23.