BCB threatens to revoke franchise rights over non-payment

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the next BPL will feature six teams, scheduled from December 19 to January 16. Although initially selecting five franchises after rigorous financial vetting of eleven applicants, the board included Desh Travels’ Noakhali Express following a request from the Cricketers Association to create more player opportunities.

The finalized franchise lineup now comprises Chattogram, Dhaka, Noakhali, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Sylhet. Addressing past financial disputes, Secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu announced strict measures: franchises failing to provide the required 2 Crore Taka fee and 10 Crore Taka bank guarantee face immediate board takeover, potentially mid-tournament. Furthermore, Trans Production Technologies (TPT) replaces Real Impact as the production provider, leveraging their global experience to save the BCB approximately $500,000.

Despite these advancements, Iftekhar admitted the board remains in a "catch-22," operating in "crisis mode" because limited preparation time has forced officials into a state of "firefighting" to organize the event.