The inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been postponed, despite earlier announcements confirming an early-April start. Initially scheduled to begin on 4 April with three participating franchises, the tournament will now be held in July, following the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup, according to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Reason for the Postponement
Iftikhar Rahman, a member of the Women’s BPL Governing Council, told Prothom Alo that logistical and preparatory challenges prompted the decision. “The franchises informed us that they did not have sufficient time to procure essential equipment, including pads and helmets. Considering all factors, we decided to defer the tournament,” he explained.
The BCB had previously extended the deadline for franchise applications twice to secure ownership of all three teams. Although the final submission date was extended to 8 March, only two franchises were confirmed in time. The Rajshahi Warriors, champions of the men’s BPL, expressed interest through Nabil Group, while the Continental Group showed interest in the Chittagong-based team. Despite interest from other organisations, the third franchise could not be finalised by the BCB in time.
Revised Schedule and Venues
In a subsequent press release, the BCB confirmed the updated timeline. The Women’s BPL will now run from 10 to 21 July, spanning three cities: Bogura, Chittagong, and Dhaka. The tournament will commence at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura on 10 July and conclude with the final in Dhaka on 21 July, with league matches in Chittagong scheduled in between.
The BCB believes the revised schedule will make it easier to secure international players, enhancing both competitiveness and overall appeal. Officials emphasised that the postponement decision followed careful consultation with prospective franchise owners and stakeholders, taking into account the practical challenges of the current global climate.
Revised Women’s BPL Schedule (2026)
| Date | Venue | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 10 July | Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Bogura | Tournament begins |
| 11–20 July | Chittagong | League matches |
| 21 July | Dhaka | Final |
Significance for Women’s Cricket
The BCB expressed confidence that the delay will ultimately strengthen the league, allowing franchises more preparation time and enabling wider participation from international talent. The first edition of the Women’s BPL is seen as a landmark initiative for promoting women’s cricket in Bangladesh, complementing the growing popularity of the men’s BPL.
With franchises better equipped and schedules aligned with international calendars, the July edition is expected to showcase competitive cricket while providing a platform for local players to gain global exposure and experience high-level competition.