Summary:
- The 11th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 tournament begins today at Mirpur with defending champions Fortune Barishal facing Durbar Rajshahi at 1:30 PM, followed by Rangpur Riders vs Dhaka Capitals at 6:30 PM.
- The tournament features seven franchises competing across three venues (Mirpur, Sylhet, and Chattogram) until February 7, 2025, with BCB implementing new features like DRS technology and digital perimeter boards.
- Fortune Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal emphasizes the need for greater investment in cricket infrastructure rather than peripheral activities like concerts, as the tournament faces early challenges with its ticketing system.
- Free water bottles will be provided to fans through six counters set up by BCB and Pusti, while only 30-35% of tickets are available online with the remainder being sold through Modhumoti Bank PLC branches.
The 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) kicks off today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, with defending champions Fortune Barishal facing newcomers Durbar Rajshahi in the opening match at 1:30 PM, followed by Rangpur Riders taking on Dhaka Capitals at 6:30 PM.
Seven franchises, including three new ones, will compete in the tournament that runs until February 7, 2025. The matches will be played across three venues – Mirpur, Sylhet (January 6-13), and Chattogram (January 16-23).
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has implemented several improvements for this season, including DRS technology throughout the tournament and digital perimeter boards. Fans will receive free water bottles on match days through six counters set up by BCB and Pusti around the stadiums.
Fortune Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal emphasized the need for greater investment in cricket infrastructure rather than peripheral activities. “If we want to arrange a different type of BPL, we need to invest in cricket. That’s the most important thing. We need to invest in the tournament, not in the concerts or anything else,” said the former Bangladesh opener.
The tournament has faced early challenges with its ticketing system. Despite initial plans for a full e-ticketing system, only 30-35% of tickets are available online, with the remainder being sold through Modhumoti Bank PLC branches and ticketing booths. This last-minute change led to protests from fans outside the stadium.
This year’s BPL features significant changes in team composition. Comilla Victorians, four-time champions, are notably absent, while Chittagong Kings make a return to the league. The tournament has attracted 20 Pakistani cricketers, including Shaheen Afridi, benefiting from the Pakistan Super League’s schedule shift to April-May.
Fortune Barishal enters the tournament as favorites, boasting a strong lineup of local and international players. However, uncertainty surrounds the participation of veterans Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, both former members of parliament with the previous government.
The tournament will feature 46 matches, culminating in the final on February 7, 2025, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Source: The Daily Star
