Delayed BPL decision puts franchises at risk of overseas player shortages

The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s delayed confirmation of the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League has put franchises under pressure, leaving them racing against time to put together competitive squads. With the announcement coming just three months before the tournament, teams have effectively had less than two months to finalise signings, fuelling concerns that the BPL may once again rely heavily on lower-tier overseas players.

Franchise officials acknowledge that the compressed timeline has made it difficult to lure top international cricketers, especially with an already crowded global T20 calendar. The challenge is exacerbated by overlaps with Australia’s Big Bash League and South Africa’s SA20, where many leading foreign players are already committed. Hopes of increased Sri Lankan participation, initially raised by the absence of the Lanka Premier League, have also faded.

Recruitment plans have been further disrupted by the announcement of a three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The BPL is set to begin on 26 December in Sylhet, while the bilateral series starts on 7 January in Dambulla, meaning players from both countries are likely to be available only until 4 January. This has forced franchises to prepare for potential mid-season departures.

Rajshahi Warriors are believed to be among the hardest hit, with at least four overseas players expected to leave midway through the competition. Although teams are exploring last-minute options, doubts persist over the availability of suitable replacements.

With preparation time dwindling and player availability uncertain, franchise officials worry that squad quality and continuity could once again be undermined unless swift solutions are found in the coming weeks.