Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 Kicks Off Amid Integrity Concerns

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 season has officially started, but it faces significant challenges, including integrity concerns and financial struggles. With several players withdrawing and controversies surrounding player payments, the tournament's quality is under scrutiny. New teams have joined, but the absence of key international players opens doors for local talent. As the BPL unfolds, all eyes will be on how these dynamics affect the upcoming T20 World Cup preparations. Captain Litton Das remains optimistic about the squad's performance despite the hurdles.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 17:47 IST

BPL 2025-26 Season Launches

Dhaka (Bangladesh), December 25: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the 2025-26 season officially commenced today.

Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies leading up to its twelfth season, the tournament is still grappling with serious issues regarding its integrity, cricket quality, and player payment disputes, as reported by a leading sports news outlet.

According to the same source, a comprehensive corruption investigation report exceeding 900 pages was submitted to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) by an independent committee two months ago. This report continues to loom over the tournament. Although the BCB has not revealed the names of the implicated players, nine cricketers were notably excluded from last month's player auction.

Several of these players have publicly expressed their frustration, with one even threatening legal action against the BCB. Their exclusion from this season's BPL could have long-lasting repercussions on their careers. Despite the BCB's stance during the auction, some individuals flagged in the investigation were reportedly seen at franchise tables.

Financial difficulties persist for many BPL franchises, with the Chattogram Royals withdrawing from the tournament, necessitating BCB intervention. Payment issues are not new; numerous players and coaches remain unpaid from previous seasons, including the 2024-25 season. Although the situation improved between 2016 and 2019, last season saw a resurgence of problems, exemplified by the Durbar Rajshahi players boycotting a match due to delayed payments, which required government involvement.

This season, the economic downturn in Bangladesh exacerbates existing concerns. Players like Niroshan Dickwella, Abrar Ahmed, and Paul Stirling have withdrawn either before or after the auction, affecting the quality of cricket and raising ongoing concerns about timely payments.

Four new teams—Rajshahi Warriors, Sylhet Titans, Noakhali Express, and Chattogram Royals—join this season, reducing the total number of teams from seven to six. The Chattogram Royals have encountered early challenges, including withdrawals of overseas players, logistical issues, and difficulties in securing sponsorships, with reports linking them to individuals mentioned in the previous corruption inquiry.

Only the Rangpur Riders and Dhaka Capitals have maintained stability. Rangpur has retained much of its setup, including coach Mickey Arthur, while Dhaka has revamped its squad, acquiring top overseas player Dasun Shanaka.

With clashes against prominent T20 leagues and perceptions of instability, many leading international players are absent, creating opportunities for uncapped local talent. Promising players such as Habibur Rahman Sohan, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, SM Meherob, and Akbar Ali, who has domestic leadership experience with Rangpur, could emerge as breakout stars this season.

With no international matches scheduled in the two months leading up to the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh's preparation will heavily depend on player performances in the BPL. Captain Litton Das expressed confidence in the squad following recent series victories but hopes that key players remain injury-free during the tournament.

Several major players, including Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman, are participating in overseas T20 leagues. Consequently, the focus in the BPL will shift to core batters like Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Saif Hassan, and Litton Das, whose form and fitness will be crucial indicators ahead of the World Cup.