However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided not to leave the start of the new season completely without any arrangements. A small-scale ceremony will instead be held on the opening match day.
The 12th BPL season will begin in Sylhet on December 26. An opening ceremony was originally scheduled for December 24 in Dhaka, but following government directives and advice in light of the country’s overall situation, the BCB moved away from that plan.
Speaking on Monday at the Rangpur Riders BSJA Media Cup cricket tournament at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium, BPL Governing Council Member Secretary Iftikhar Rahman Mithu confirmed the revised plan.
“We all know the situation is a bit challenging, and we have had to change our plans repeatedly. Since we are unable to hold the opening ceremony on the 24th, we will now organise a small programme on the match day, December 26,” Mithu said.
He also outlined what the scaled-down event will include. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul and Sports Secretary Asif Nazrul will officially inaugurate the tournament and greet the players.
A one-minute silence will be observed in memory of Osman Hadi, who passed away recently.
In addition, a brief musical programme will be arranged during the interval between the two matches. The cultural segment, featuring regional songs, will be staged inside the stadium.
The opening match, initially scheduled to start at 2:00 pm, has been rescheduled to 3:00 pm. Sylhet Titans will face Rajshahi Warriors in the first game, while the second match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express will begin at 7:45 pm.
