Featuring 12 clubs, the tournament has long been regarded as a key preparation platform for national team cricketers. With top stars in action, historic club rivalries and intense battles on the points table, the DPL remains a vital component of the country’s cricket structure.
However, doubts have emerged over the upcoming season. Several clubs are reportedly reluctant to participate under the current board administration, creating complications within the domestic cricket landscape.
Although the league is usually scheduled for March-April, there has been little visible progress so far. The women’s competition is also facing similar uncertainty.
Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has openly stressed the importance of staging the tournament. Speaking after the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) final, he said the players are eager to compete but are unsure whether their concerns will be addressed.
“We want to play. I don’t know whether our voices will be heard. This 50-over competition must take place, especially the Dhaka Premier League. We have an ODI World Cup ahead and currently, we do not play many one-day matches,” Shanto said.
With the ODI World Cup approaching, Shanto believes the shortage of 50-over matches is a major concern. He emphasized that the Premier League provides one of the few opportunities for players to gain valuable match practice in the format.
“I hope the league is organized properly, that we see competitive cricket and good sporting wickets,” he added.
Bangladesh are set to play a three-match ODI series against the Pakistan national cricket team soon. Ahead of that series, the board arranged a BCL one-day tournament featuring 60 cricketers divided into four teams. Shanto’s side finished as runners-up in the competition.
The skipper described the BCL as a positive preparatory event. “From a preparation standpoint, it was a good tournament before an international series. Both batters and bowlers prepared well. The wickets were sporting, and overall it was an excellent tournament,” he said.
