BPL 2025: Beyond Just a Tournament

The upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the nation’s only franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, promises to go beyond traditional competition, aiming to celebrate youth, culture, and community. Scheduled for December 30 to February 7 across three cities, the 11th edition of the BPL is set to become part of a larger, nationwide youth festival.

The idea to combine the BPL with a youth-focused celebration originated from interim government Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, who is committed to elevating the event’s significance. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed noted Yunus’s hands-on involvement in planning, describing how the chief adviser has brought innovative ideas to deepen fan engagement and enrich the event.

“You’re all aware of the recent government transition following the student movement, and now we’re working to make this BPL unique compared to previous seasons,” Faruque said in an official statement on the BCB’s Facebook page. “At the request of our sports adviser, Chief Adviser Yunus is actively involved in the BPL, bringing invaluable experience and impactful ideas from his work on major international platforms,” he added.

Nine government ministries are collaborating to make this BPL a success, with their representatives meeting the BCB on November 3 to coordinate efforts.

Youth Festival

The concept of a Youth Festival accompanying the BPL was born out of brainstorming sessions aimed at enhancing fan engagement. This festival will serve as a platform not only for fan interaction but also for promoting small entrepreneurs. It will include live-streamed matches on big screens, local music performances, and stalls where social entrepreneurs can display and sell their products. Attendees will also experience local cuisine and cultural exhibits, expected to bring socio-economic benefits.

“The businesses may be small, but this will be a chance for them to gain confidence and potentially expand in the future,” an official told Daily Sun.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been invited to the Youth Festival, where his presence at some BPL matches could significantly boost the tournament’s international reputation.

Eco-Friendly BPL

This year’s BPL will also focus on sustainability, with plastic bottles banned at venues and a commitment to using recyclable materials. Water stations with paper cups will replace plastic bottles, and digital boards will reduce plastic waste.

“Helping fans see the benefits of reducing plastic use and supporting eco-friendly practices could be one of our most meaningful achievements,” shared an official close to the BPL.

Recognizing Social Contributors

The Chief Adviser’s Office has requested that social contributors be acknowledged during the innings breaks, with organizations making positive impacts to be celebrated publicly.

The BPL’s theme song, written by Yunus, includes the lines “Esho desh bodlai, prithibi bodlai” (Let’s change the country, let’s change the world), capturing the spirit of transformation.

For the interim government, the BPL is more than a sporting event—it is a platform for inspiring change, a vision embraced by the people of Bangladesh who united in July in support of this transformative journey.