The inaugural edition of the Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been postponed, despite earlier announcements of its scheduled start. Originally set to begin on 4 April with three participating teams, the tournament will now be held in July, following the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup, according to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Reason for the Delay
Iftikhar Rahman, a member of the Women’s BPL Governing Council, told Prothom Alo that logistical challenges were the primary reason for postponement. “The franchises informed us that they did not have sufficient time to procure essential equipment, including pads and helmets. Considering all factors, we decided to defer the tournament,” he said.
The BCB had previously extended the deadline for franchise applications twice to secure ownership of the three teams. Although the final submission date was extended to 8 March, only two franchises were confirmed in time. The Rajshahi Warriors, champions of the men’s BPL, expressed interest through Nabil Group, while the Continental Group showed interest in the Chittagong-based team. Despite interest from other organisations, the third franchise could not be finalised by the BCB in time.
New Schedule and Venues
In a later press release, the BCB confirmed the revised schedule. The Women’s BPL will now be held from 10 to 21 July, spanning three cities: Bogura, Chittagong, and Dhaka. The tournament will begin at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura on 10 July and conclude with the final in Dhaka on 21 July. The Chittagong leg will take place in the interim.
The BCB believes that the new timeline will make it easier to secure the participation of international players, enhancing the competitiveness and appeal of the league. Officials noted that the decision to postpone was taken after careful consultation with potential franchise owners and other stakeholders, considering current global realities.
Revised Women’s BPL Schedule (2026)
| Date | Venue | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 10 July | Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Bogura | Tournament begins |
| 11–20 July | Chittagong | League matches |
| 21 July | Dhaka | Final |
The BCB has expressed optimism that the delay will ultimately benefit the league, ensuring better preparation, stronger franchises, and wider international participation. This first edition of the Women’s BPL is seen as a critical step in promoting women’s cricket in Bangladesh, complementing the growing popularity of the men’s league.