The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is a professional T20 cricket league founded in 2012. It features six franchise-based teams, each representing a different region of Bangladesh.
The league attracts some of the greatest cricketers in Bangladesh and has gained significant popularity among cricket fans in Bangladesh and worldwide.
History of the Bangladesh Premier League
The BPL was founded to promote cricket in Bangladesh and provide a platform for young and talented players to showcase their skills. The league’s first season was in February 2012, but it quickly gained popularity among cricket fans.
Inaugural season and subsequent seasons
The inaugural season of the BPL featured six teams:
- Chittagong Kings
- Dhaka Gladiators
- Barisal Burners
- Sylhet Royals
- Khulna Royal Bengals
- Rajshahi Kings.
The Dhaka Gladiators were crowned champions, beating the Barisal Burners in the final. Dhaka Gladiators also won the 2013 edition.
The BPL has had some ups and downs since its inception. The league was suspended for a year in 2014 due to allegations of corruption and match-fixing. However, the league resumed in 2015 with stricter regulations to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Major milestones and achievements
In 2016, the Bangladesh Premier League became the first T20 league to feature a transgender cricketer when Nazrana Apu represented the Rangpur Riders. Later in 2019, the league signed a partnership with the Caribbean Premier League, which aimed to promote cricket in the Caribbean and Bangladesh.
Format of the BPL
Number of teams and their composition
The BPL has seven teams, each representing a different region of Bangladesh. The teams are owned by franchise owners who invest money in the team’s management and players.
League structure and schedule
The BPL follows a double round-robin format, where each team plays the other teams twice, once at home and once away. The top four teams in the league table at the end of the league stage qualify for the playoffs.
Playoffs and finals
The playoffs include two semi-finals, followed by a final. The winner of the final becomes the BPL champion.
Teams and players
Overview of teams and their owners
A mix of Bangladeshi and international investors, including celebrities, owns the BPL teams. The teams represent different regions of Bangladesh, each with a unique identity and fan base.
Here is a table showing the current(2023) Bangladesh premier league teams, their captains, owners, coach, and the region they represent:
| Team | Owner | Coach | Captain | Region |
| Dhaka Dominators | Rupa Fabrics Limites | Chaminda Vaas | Nasir Hossain | Dhaka Division, Bangladesh |
| Fortune Barishal | Fortune Group | Nazmul Abedin Fahim | Shakib Al Hasan | Barisal Division, Bangladesh |
| Khulna Tigers | MindTree Limited | Khaled Mahmud | Yasir Ali | Khulna Division, Bangladesh |
| Rangpur Riders | Bashundhara Group | Sohel Islam | Nurul Hasan | Rangpur Division, Bangladesh |
| Chattogram Challengers | Delta Sports Limited | Julian Wood | Shuvagata Hom | Chattogram Division, Bangladesh |
| Cumila Warriors | Comilla Legends Limited | Mohammad Salahuddin | Imrul Kayes | Cumilla, Bangladesh |
| Sylhet Strikers | Future Sports Bangladesh | Rajin Saleh | Mashrafe Mortaza | Sylhet Division, Bangladesh |
Notable players in the league
The BPL attracts some of the world’s top cricketers. The most notable players to have played in the league include Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Brendon McCullum.
Domestic and foreign players in the league
The BPL features domestic and foreign players. Each team must have at least two foreign players in their squad. The league allows young and talented domestic players to showcase their skills and learn from some of the world’s best cricketers.
Broadcasting and media coverage
Television coverage of BPL matches
The BPL matches are broadcast live on various television channels, including Gazi TV, the league’s official broadcaster. The matches are also broadcast on channels in other countries, such as Sony Six in India and Geo Super in Pakistan.
Online streaming options
The BPL matches are streamed live online on various platforms, including the league’s official website and mobile application. The matches are also streamed on YouTube and other streaming services, providing fans with multiple options to watch the games.
Radio and print coverage
Various radio and print media outlets cover the BPL matches, providing fans with in-depth analysis and coverage of the league.
Sponsorship and finances
Major sponsors and partners
The BPL has several major sponsors and partners, including title sponsors like Robi and Akash DTH. Other sponsors and partners include companies like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Puma.
Revenue streams for the League and teams
The Bangladesh Premier League generates revenue streams for the league and teams through various sources, including sponsorships, media rights, ticket sales, and merchandise sales. The teams also generate revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise sales, with a portion of the income going to the league.
Salaries and payment structure for players
The BPL allows players to earn significant sums of money. The league has a salary cap for each team, with the highest-paid players being foreign players. The payment structure varies for players. Some are paid per match, while others are paid a fixed amount for the entire season.
Impact of the BPL
Economic and social impact of the league
The BPL has significantly impacted Bangladesh’s economy, generating revenue and creating job opportunities. The league has also had a social impact, inspiring young people to take up cricket and promoting national unity and pride.
Development of cricket in Bangladesh
The BPL has played a significant role in developing cricket in Bangladesh, providing a platform for young and talented players to showcase their skills and learn from some of the world’s best cricketers. The league has also helped improve the country’s infrastructure and facilities for cricket.
International recognition and exposure
The BPL has helped put Bangladesh on the international cricket map, attracting top players and gaining worldwide exposure. The league has also helped improve the perception of Bangladesh as a cricketing nation and has contributed to the growth of cricket in other parts of the world.
Controversies and challenges
Match-fixing and corruption allegations
The BPL has had its share of controversies, including match-fixing allegations and corruption. The league has addressed these issues, including introducing stricter regulations and working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and punish offenders.
Player and team management issues
The BPL has also faced player and team management challenges, including disputes over player salaries and ownership. The league has addressed these issues, including setting up a players’ association and introducing more transparency in the team ownership structure.
Fan behavior and security concerns
The BPL has also faced challenges related to fan behavior and security concerns, with incidents of violence and unruly behavior reported at some matches.
The league has taken steps to address these issues, including working with local authorities to improve security measures and cracking down on unruly behavior by fans.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh Premier League has come a long way since its inception in 2012, establishing itself as one of the premier T20 leagues in the world. With its unique blend of local and international talent, exciting gameplay, and passionate fans, the league has become a source of pride for cricket fans in Bangladesh and beyond.
While the league has faced its share of challenges and controversies, it has also significantly impacted the development of cricket in Bangladesh, the country’s economy, and its international reputation. As the league continues to grow and evolve, there is no doubt that it will play an essential role in the future of cricket in Bangladesh and around the world.
