BPL 2025–26 to feature only five teams after major restructure

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 season will see a major reshuffle, with the tournament set to feature five teams, down from seven in the previous edition. Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders are the only franchises retaining their previous ownership, while three others, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, have undergone ownership changes.

As a result, Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, and Sylhet Strikers have been replaced by Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Sylhet Titans. Defending

champions Fortune Barishal, who won the last two BPL titles, and Khulna Tigers are no longer part of the competition.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the list of participating teams on Thursday, November 6, but did not disclose details regarding the new ownership groups. The BPL player draft is scheduled for November 17, with the tournament expected to run from mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026.

BCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain stated on Tuesday, November 5 that letters will be sent to players and officials allegedly involved in irregularities during last year’s BPL, barring them from participation this season. The decision follows recommendations from the Independent Inquiry Committee investigating anomalies from the 2024 BPL season.

"The letter will be sent on November 15 as the players draft is scheduled on November 17. We want everything finalised before the drafting. I mentioned this in yesterday's board meeting. We'll take action based on priorities and severity. The letter means he will communicate personally and moreover, we will make sure that people who have allegations against their names can't participate in the BPL," said Shakhawat as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"The report we received has been sent to Alex Marshall. After that, he will create a charge sheet depending on the gravity of allegations against those people. Basically, he will communicate with them directly. It will depend on the severity of the allegation, basically like there might be some allegations that are nothing but doubts. There are a few who might face allegations backed by doubts, proofs, and even a formal charge frame. It will completely depend on the gravity and how Alex Marshall deals with it from the ICC," he added.