Losses, betting probe, corruption: BCB suspends Bangladesh Premier League after years of chaos
The BPL began in 2012 and is Bangladesh’s biggest domestic cricket tournament. However, it has struggled to match the success of other franchise leagues such as IPL.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has suspended the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the 2022 season, stating that several franchises failed to comply with the league's rules and regulations. BCB President Tamim Iqbal revealed the decision to reporters on Thursday. The BPL, which began in 2012, has struggled to achieve the same level of success as other franchise leagues, such as those in India and Australia. In the past two years, the BPL has reportedly incurred losses of around $3.3 million.
Tamim Iqbal acknowledged the disappointment among players but emphasized that rebuilding the tournament is crucial for the BCB's reputation. He expressed understanding for the players' frustration but stressed that holding a tournament at a loss is not acceptable. The BPL has faced numerous challenges in recent months, including a betting probe and corruption allegations.
In May, the BCB suspended a player and multiple team officials following an anti-corruption investigation into the tournament. Additionally, several matches were rescheduled due to player boycotts over comments made by BCB official Nazmul Islam.
Despite the issues, BCB remains committed to hosting the BPL. Tamim Iqbal, who recently took up the role of chairman of the International Cricket Council’s new Franchise League Committee, emphasized the importance of addressing the league's shortcomings to set a positive example for other franchise cricket initiatives. The BCB has initiated discussions with existing franchises, aiming to complete the selection process by April or May of the following year.
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