BPL 2026 Players Draft on Nov 17, League Starts Dec 19
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to make a grand return this December, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially confirming the players’ draft for the 2026 edition on November 17. The tournament will kick off on December 19, and the final is likely to be played on January 16, just ahead of the national elections.
Only Five Teams to Feature in BPL 2026
Unlike previous seasons, this edition of the BPL will feature only five teams. While eleven organizations initially expressed interest in owning a franchise, only five received final approval after evaluation. The confirmed teams are Rangpur Riders, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Dhaka, and Sylhet.
- Rangpur Riders – Owned by Toggi Sports
- Chattogram – Owned by Triangle Sports
- Rajshahi – Owned by Nabil Group
- Dhaka – Owned by Champion Sports
- Sylhet – Owned by Cricket with Sami
Major Franchises Miss Out on Selection
Several previous franchise owners failed to make the final cut, including former Chittagong Kings’ owners SQ Sports, Noakhali’s Bangla Mark, and Khulna’s former franchise group Mind Tree and Ruposhi Concrete Ltd Consortium. This reduction in teams has reshaped the BPL landscape, setting up a fresh and competitive environment for the upcoming season.
Defending Champions Fortune Barishal Withdraw
In a surprising turn of events, defending champions Fortune Barishal have opted out of the BPL for the next five seasons. The franchise, owned by Fortune Shoes, officially informed the BCB of its decision to withdraw, citing lack of preparation time as the main reason. Barishal’s management had earlier requested the BPL Governing Council to delay the season, but their request was not accepted. As a result, the franchise decided to pull out entirely, leading to a major shake-up before the players’ draft.
Khulna Tigers Also Excluded
Another big name missing from the BPL 2025-26 season is Khulna Tigers. The franchise, which had been part of previous editions, did not make the final approval list. Reports suggest internal management issues and financial inconsistencies were behind the exclusion.
BPL 2026 Draft to Set Stage for New Competition
With the draft set for November 17, all five participating franchises have begun preparations to build their squads. The upcoming edition promises a mix of familiar stars and emerging talents, making it one of the most anticipated cricketing events in Bangladesh’s domestic calendar.
Rangpur Riders Among Top Contenders
Rangpur Riders, one of the most successful teams in BPL history, will again enter the tournament as strong contenders. With experienced ownership and a solid track record, the Riders are expected to make significant moves during the draft.
Schedule Overview
- Players’ Draft: November 17, 2025
- Tournament Start: December 19, 2025
- Final Match: January 16, 2026
The BPL 2026 edition marks a new era for Bangladesh cricket, with fewer teams but heightened competition and excitement. Fans eagerly await the draft to see which players will represent the five franchises in this restructured, high-stakes tournament.
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