Bangladesh Premier League is never out of controversy. It always stays in the news, mostly for the negative issues. Ahead of the new edition, BPL franchises continue to struggle with finances, with at least
one team, the Chattogram Royals, withdrawing from the tournament and forcing the BCB to take over. Payment issues are not new as several players and coaches remain unpaid from past seasons, including 2024-25. While the situation improved between 2016 and 2019, last season saw problems resurface, highlighted by Durbar Rajshahi players boycotting a match over delayed payments.
Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken control of the Chattogram Royals, a new franchise in the BPL. This decision comes after Triangle Services Limited, the original owner of the team, decided to withdraw its ownership just a day ahead of the 12th BPL edition. The withdrawal is reportedly due to the lack of sponsor interest in the team. Another issue was when Noakhali coaches stormed out of training due to lack of balls.
BPL is BPL-ing even before BPL begins. Ctg Royals have given up their franchise due to lack of money. BCB has to run the team now. Noakhali coaches stormed out of training due to lack of balls. All this, 24 hours before the tournament's opening day. pic.twitter.com/jkkmttTt2n
— Mohammad Isam (@Isam84) December 25, 2025
BCB chairman Iftekhar Rahman confirmed the ownership transfer, saying, “They gave the BCB a letter three hours ago, so we have officially taken over the team.” He added that it was an unexpected situation, as Triangle Services Limited cited media reports as a reason for their inability to find sponsors for the team. Rahman emphasized their commitment to integrity and player payment this season, avoiding situations like last year’s Rajshahi franchise incident.
According to Cricinfo, there was report submitted about this League regarding its integrity, the standard of cricket, and issues related to player payments and logistical arrangements. The 900-plus-page corruption investigation report into last season’s BPL, submitted to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB ) by an independent inquiry committee two months ago, continues to cast a shadow over the tournament. This was related to corruption involved in the game. While the BCB has not disclosed the names of the players mentioned in the report, nine cricketers were notably “not invited” to the BPL player auction last month.
The 12th season of BPL starts tomorrow and it will run from December 26 to January 23. Sylhet Titans, Rajshahi Warriors, Noakhali Express, Chattogram Royals, Dhaka Capitals, and Rangpur Riders will take part in the tournament. Notably, defending champions Fortune Barishal withdrew from the upcoming BPL seasons.
