Noakhali-Mymensingh in the list of possible franchises in BPL

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is the country's only franchise-based T20 tournament. After the recent formation of the new board of directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the BPL Governing Council has become desperate to organize the BPL. The BCB has already received the green signal from the government to organize the BPL in December-January.

7 franchises participated in the last season of the BPL. However, this time the BPL activities have to start anew. Because, the 3-year contract with the previous franchises has ended. Therefore, the BCB has started the process of transferring the ownership of at least five new franchises from the next season. Because, according to the rules, it is possible to organize the tournament only if there are at least five franchise teams.

In a press release on Saturday (October 11), the BCB has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from reputable business institutions, corporate organizations and entrepreneurs interested in acquiring franchise ownership of the BPL. Advertisements will also be published in newspapers on Sunday. This right will be given for five consecutive seasons—that is, from the 12th to the 16th edition of the BPL.

In the release, the BCB also revealed the names of a total of ten potential regions, out of which at least five regions will be approved for ownership. The regions are—Barisal, Chittagong, Comilla, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Noakhali, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Sylhet.

The BPL Governing Council said that a minimum of five franchises will be selected from among the eligible applicants. In the selection, financial capacity, reputation and strategic alignment with the league's long-term plan will be given utmost importance.

The names of Noakhali and Mymensingh have come up in this, creating new excitement among the fans. If any organization is interested and can fulfill the conditions, a Noakhali or Mymensingh team could be seen in this year's BPL for the first time.