Number of teams in BPL increased by breaking rules, ‘fixing masterminds’ behind it

Sports Desk
BCB had initially decided to have the BPL with five teams due to non-payment of franchise fees. It had set a deadline for bank guarantees. However, after the deadline passed three times, no one provided the bank guarantee. Now, breaking the rules, another team that did not pay the franchise fee has been added and a six-team BPL has been announced. The controversial tournament will start on December 19.

The 12th season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is going to start with six franchises from December 19. BPL Governing Council Member Secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu confirmed the date at a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur today.

He said they decided to increase the number of franchises from five to six in order to give more local players a chance. He added that scheduling was also a major factor behind the decision, as it was difficult to organize two matches a day with only five teams.

‘Noakhali Express’ is joining Dhaka Capitals, Chittagong Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur Riders and Sylhet Titans as a new team in the 12th edition of this franchise-based T20 league.

But the real reason is different. Chittagong Royals is joined by Chittagong Kings owner Samir Quader Chowdhury, who is the nephew of war criminal Salauddin Quader Chowdhury and son of BNP leader Giasuddin Quader. Samir’s team did not pay the players’ salaries in the last BPL. Later, the BCB had to pay it. There were also allegations of fixing against the team, so this time he was not given a team. But he joined Chittagong Royals from behind. The Chittagong team was about to be canceled due to non-payment of bank guarantees, Samir intervened in this situation and turned the tide.

Meanwhile, bus company Desh Travels has been given ownership of the ‘Noakhali Express’ team. Desh Travels initially wanted to take the team to the BPL but could not pay the franchise fee. They have also been added back to the BPL.

Mithu said, “One new thing this time is that we are planning to start the tournament in Sylhet. The final will probably be held on January 16. We are also planning to organize a small opening ceremony in Dhaka on December 17.”

After a long hiatus of 12 years, the player auction is returning to the BPL. The BPL Governing Council has finalized November 30 as the new date for the auction. Earlier, the auction system was used in the first two seasons of the BPL held in 2012 and 2013. However, the players draft system was followed in the next nine seasons.

Like previous editions of the BPL, there are concerns about financial complications related to players’ salaries and bank guarantees. Mithu, member secretary of the BPL Governing Council, said that the participation of the two teams is not yet certain due to non-fulfillment of financial guidelines.