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BPL Drops Chattogram as Host After Schedule Disruption, Sylhet and Dhaka to Stage Remainder

The Bangladesh Premier League governing council has removed Chattogram as a host for the remainder of the BPL 2025-26 tournament. This decision follows a mandatory two-day postponement of matches due to the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, which created a logistical squeeze. BPL officials cited the time required to move broadcast equipment and the fixed date for the final, crucial for Bangladesh's T20 World Cup preparation, as key factors. The remainder of the league stage will be held in Sylhet until January 12, with Dhaka hosting the final phase, including the playoffs and final on January 23.

Key Points: BPL 2025-26: Chattogram Dropped as Host, Sylhet and Dhaka to Host Matches

  • Chattogram dropped as host
  • Sylhet and Dhaka to host remainder
  • Decision due to 2-day postponement
  • Broadcast logistics and World Cup prep cited
2 min read

BPL: Chattogram to not host remainder of tournament matches

BPL governing council drops Chattogram as host for remainder of 2025-26 tournament due to schedule disruption after Khaleda Zia's death. Sylhet and Dhaka will host.

"I know it is disappointing for Chattogram, but if we started the tournament in Chattogram, Sylhet would have missed out. - BPL member secretary Iftekhar Rahman"

Chattogram, January 1

The Bangladesh Premier League governing council has decided to drop Chattogram from hosting the remainder of the BPL 2025-26 tournament matches, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The decision came after they had to postpone the ongoing BPL for two days following the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away on December 30 at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital.

Sylhet will continue to host the remainder of the BPL matches till January 12. Dhaka will host three more match days, followed by the playoffs and the grand finale on January 23.

BPL member secretary Iftekhar Rahman spoke about the decision to move the remaining BPL matches from Chattogram. He said that the decision was taken after considering two factors.

"There was no gap in our fixtures," Iftekhar told ESPNcricinfo. "Moving from Sylhet to Chattogram, especially with the broadcast equipment needing the shifting between the two cities, will need at least two days. Given that we had to postpone the matches on Monday and Tuesday, we couldn't move to Chattogram.

"I know it is disappointing for Chattogram, but if we started the tournament in Chattogram, Sylhet would have missed out. Our other major concern was the BPL final date. We couldn't shift even one day as the Bangladesh team needs time to prepare for the T20 World Cup. So we had to take these factors into consideration," he added.

The ongoing BPL tournament has faced difficulties after the owner of Chattogram Royals relinquished the franchise the day before the tournament began on December 26.

Noakhali Express coach Khaled Mahmud then walked off the job after not being provided adequate practice facilities. Additionally, there was also an unfortunate on-field incident when the Dhaka Capitals assistant coach, Mahbub Ali Zaki, passed away just minutes before their match against the Rajshahi Warriors.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Understandable decision given the circumstances. Logistical challenges with broadcast equipment are real. Feel bad for the fans in Chattogram though. They must be disappointed after buying tickets.
A
Aman W
The tournament has faced so many hurdles before even reaching halfway! Coach walking off, a tragic on-field death... it's been one thing after another. Hope they can finish strong for the sake of the players and fans.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows cricket globally, the priority on national team preparation for the T20 World Cup makes complete sense. Bangladesh needs to be competitive. Domestic leagues must support that goal.
V
Vikram M
The logistical explanation about shifting broadcast gear is valid. It's not like moving a local match. Still, the governing council should have had a better contingency plan from the start. Feels like poor planning.
K
Kavya N
My heart goes out to everyone affected by the coach's passing. That is truly tragic. In comparison, venue changes are a minor issue. Let's hope the remainder of the tournament is conducted peacefully and as a tribute.

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