Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League's governing council has finalized six franchises for the eighth edition of Bangladesh Premier League, BCB sources confirmed to Cricbuzz on Sunday (December 12).
BCB had earlier stated that they received eight Expression of Interest(s). Three new business houses, alongside three former franchises, are expected to take part in the tournament. It has bene learnt that the new business houses are set to be Rupa & Marn Group (Dhaka Division), Progoti Group (Sylhet Division) and MindTree (Khulna Division).
Fortune Group and Akhtar Group, who owned Barisal Division and Chattogram Division respectively in the previous edition, have bagged the rights for those two franchises. Meanwhile, the two-time champions – Comilla Victorians – owned by Lotus Group, will make a comeback in this season's BPL. They did not take part in the last edition of the tournament.
Incidentally, BCB decided to give only a one-year contract to the franchises as they are expected to pen a long-term deal after this season. As a result, reputed franchises like Dhaka Dynamites (Beximco), Rangpur Riders (Basundhara) and Khulna Titans (Gemcon Group) decided not to take part in this season's tournament.
Meanwhile, Chattogram Challengers managing director KM Rifatuzzaman told reporters that three foreign players will be allowed to take part in the playing XI, unlike previous years when four were allowed. ”Yes, you can say that we are confirmed by the board to take part in BPL. We came here to talk with BCB and they told us that we will be representing our Chattogram Challengers,” said Rifatuzzaman.
”In the last edition, there was a provision of playing four overseas players while in this edition three players will be taking part for each franchise. The date for the draft is yet to be finalised and once it is finalised we would be more organised. You know that the players' draft of PSL is taking place today, and after it is completed we can have a clear picture about the availability of the foreign players in the competition and can let you know who we are going to confirm,” he added.
The BPL is expected to be staged from January 20 to February 20. However, as things stand, it is clashing with the PSL, scheduled to commence on January 27. BPL governing council member Sheikh Sohel said that they are not concerned about the tournament clashing with the PSL.
He added that they are worried about the constantly evolving Covid-19 situation. “We are not worried about the PSL and we are expecting to host the players draft of this month but the only thing that we are worried about is the corona situation.”