Image Source: BCB
BPL Postponed: Bangladesh Sports Minister wants BPL held annually; to discuss postponement with BCB
Bangladesh's State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, stated on Sunday that he would hold a meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the future of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Amidst reports that the country's only franchise-based T20 tournament has been postponed, the Sports Minister emphasized that a popular tournament like the BPL should be held every year.
Uncertainty over BPL's future and players' concerns
BCB President Tamim Iqbal had recently announced that the board was not prepared to host the BPL until issues concerning the tournament's credibility were resolved. While franchises welcomed the board's move, there was significant dissatisfaction and insecurity among players regarding their future, as the league is a major source of income for them. To safeguard the players' financial interests, the BCB had subsequently increased match fees for domestic cricket.
Sports Minister unaware of the postponement news
Speaking to reporters in Dhaka, Sports Minister Aminul Haque clarified that he had learned about the tournament's postponement only through the media.
- Advocating for annual hosting: Aminul Haque said, "I just learned through the media that the BPL is not taking place. The BPL is a hugely popular tournament in Bangladesh. Even though the board president has cited logical reasons for postponing it, I believe it should be held every year."
- Discussion with BCB: He further stated that the board would be consulted on why the tournament could not be held, and the government would ensure that such competitions are organized regularly in the future.
