BPL uncertain owing to lack of preparation time

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal on Wednesday indicated that he is not keen on hosting the 13th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) within the current short time frame, citing insufficient preparation time to organise the tournament properly.

Speaking to reporters following a board of directors' meeting at the BCB headquarters in Mirpur, Tamim said that the board had not yet reached a final decision on the tournament, which is traditionally held in the December-January window.

"No, there's no final decision on the BPL," Tamim said when asked about the uncertainty surrounding the tournament's future. "But I told you all one thing earlier — I will not do the BPL just for the sake of doing it. I think I made it very, very clear. I personally don't think we had enough time to host the BPL properly."

He added that the board would only move forward with the tournament once all logistical aspects could be managed adequately.

"If, Inshallah, we do the BPL in future, then we will do it properly, as much as possible managing everything and bringing it together, we will do it that way. I think I have spoken about this thing," he said.

The BPL, the country's flagship T20 franchise tournament, has in recent years faced repeated criticism over organisational shortcomings, venue issues and scheduling conflicts, with several editions marred by controversies.

Tamim also declined to give clarity on the potential India tour of Bangladesh in September, when the neighbouring country is scheduled to play three One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals across Mirpur and Chattogram — a series whose status has remained uncertain amid broader regional considerations.

"Unfortunately, I don't have any news regarding the India series," Tamim said.

"We are — I am in discussions with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), there's an exchange happening between BCB members, we are trying from all sides, I hope they will come. When it comes to Bangladesh's series against India, the excitement is at a different level, I'm sure from journalists, from fans, cricketers, everyone. And I am very hopeful that they will come. Bangladesh is an extremely safe country and I am very hopeful — I am hopeful that they will come," he added.

Acknowledging the limitations of his role, Tamim said that he was doing everything possible to encourage the tour without overstepping, indicating the ongoing talks between the two country’s government.

"Whatever steps need to be taken from our side, we are trying from our end. But one thing we all need to understand — I am BCB, and then I am the BCB president, and there is also a line that I should never cross. So from my position, whatever is possible to do within my responsibility, I am talking to people, I am trying to say what advantages there are with the India series and all those things. And there are certain things that are beyond my control, alright?"

He struck an optimistic note on the discussions so far.

"I feel the discussions I've had so far have been very positive. And then they also have to make a decision, I'm sure. Very soon, perhaps, we will find out whether the series is happening or not. So we will know very soon," he stated.

Tamim also announced Wednesday that the board has approved building a long-awaited Excellence Centre, calling it possibly the most significant decision for Bangladesh cricket in years.

Populous, who designed the facility earlier, has been asked to revise the plans after a meeting on 22 July, with a USD900,000 payment still pending. The BCB will fund the centre itself, though the adjoining stadium will require government support ahead of the 2031 Cricket World Cup, for which Purbachal was part of the original bid.

Tamim said that the project, expected to take two-and-a-half to three years, would include international-standard facilities, and reflects his personal commitment to developing future cricketers rather than focusing solely on results.