Only five teams will line up for the 2025-26 Bangladesh Premier League, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Thursday. Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders stay on from last season, while three re-branded outfits – Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans – replace their previous incarnations.
The contraction means Fortune Barishal, champions in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, drop out entirely. Khulna Tigers are also missing. A brief BCB statement read: “Franchise ownership has evolved; the board remains committed to a competitive, financially stable tournament.”
Officials have not released details of the new ownership groups, and that uncertainty leaves several players in limbo. One agent, speaking off the record, said, “Our clients just want clarity before draft day. Losing two sides shrinks the job market overnight.”
The BPL player draft is pencilled in for 17 November, with the tournament expected to run from mid-December to mid-January. Rangpur coach Shane Bond welcomed the early notice, noting, “It lets us finalise overseas availability before everyone else locks in their tours.”
By contrast, a senior Barishal player admitted disappointment at missing out on a title defence but added, “That’s franchise cricket – nothing’s guaranteed. Hopefully we’re back soon.”
A quick recap of the 2025-26 line-up:
• Dhaka Capitals
• Rangpur Riders
• Chattogram Royals (formerly Chittagong Kings)
• Rajshahi Warriors (formerly Durbar Rajshahi)
• Sylhet Titans (formerly Sylhet Strikers)
While the trimmed field should simplify scheduling, the real test will be whether fewer teams translate into tighter contests or simply fewer opportunities. As one domestic analyst put it, “Quality over quantity sounds good, but depth matters too. We’ll know by January if the gamble pays off.”
