10 companies apply for ownership of 6 BPL franchises

Agency :

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from companies keen to own franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the next five years.

The deadline for submission was October 28, and several organizations have already filed their applications.

Amid ongoing speculation, Fortune Barishal will not feature in the upcoming BPL season.

The Fortune Group did not apply for renewal, effectively confirming their exit. However, Akashbari Holidays has shown interest in acquiring the Barishal franchise rights.

In Chattogram, SQ Sports, the owners who reintroduced Chattogram Kings last season and reached the final, have again applied for ownership despite earlier financial issues with the BCB.

After a change in government, Comilla Victorians skipped the last season, leaving the slot vacant. Now, SS Group has submitted all documents to return to the league under the name Comilla Fighters.

The Dhaka Capitals are expected to remain in the competition, with both Walton and Remark Harlan applying for franchise ownership.

The BCB had previously listed 10 potential franchise zones, Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, Comilla, Noakhali, and Mymensingh.

So far, no bid has been received for Mymensingh, though Banglamark Limited has expressed interest in the Noakhali franchise.

Rangpur Riders will continue under Bashundhara Group, while Khulna Tigers are also set to feature. Meanwhile, Desh Travels, previously linked with Rajshahi Kings, has applied for Rajshahi’s ownership, possibly replacing the much-criticized Durbar Rajshahi.

According to BCB’s new terms, each franchise must pay BDT 2 crore in the first year, with a 15% annual increase from 2027, totaling around BDT 13.5 crore over five years.

Franchises must also provide a BDT 10 crore bank guarantee before each season, while the BCB will share 30% of tournament profits with them.