BCB confirms new six-team franchise competition

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to launch a new six-team, franchise-based domestic competition spanning three formats. 

Approved during the incumbent board’s fourth meeting on Sunday and detailed in a press release, the overhaul will bring the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) first-class four-day competition, the BCL one-day tournament, and the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 under a single unified framework.

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Under the proposed structure, the BCB will offer team ownership rights to established corporate and financial institutions in Bangladesh for an initial three-year cycle. The franchise era will officially begin with the T20 tournament, tentatively scheduled to kick off in December.

Alongside the structural revamp, the board officially approved a revised domestic match fee structure. 

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Higher match fees, but playing chances remain key

Revised match fee structure:

Men’s: Players will earn Tk 1.5 lakh for four-day matches, Tk 1 lakh for one-day matches, and Tk 80,000 for T20s. The fee for NCL Second XI matches has been set at Tk 15,000.

Women’s: Players will receive Tk 40,000 for three-day games, Tk 30,000 for one-day matches, and Tk 20,000 for T20s.

Under-19s: The daily allowance for the Bangladesh Under-19 team has been doubled from Tk 10,000 to Tk 20,000.

Other major outcomes from the meeting: 

*International Standard Athletic Running Track at NCA Ground

The Board approved the  installation of an international standard, IAAF-approved athletic running track at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Ground, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS), Dhaka. The project will comprise a three-lane specialised running track to support cricketers’ training, fitness activities and other sporting requirements.

*Upgradation of Facilities at SBNCS

The Board approved the proposed upgradation work of two alternative dressing rooms, the players’ entry area and the common lobby area at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka.

*Construction of Two Dressing Rooms

The Board approved the construction of two new dressing rooms at the SBNCS, Mirpur. The additional facilities will support the smooth conduct of domestic tournaments, practice matches and other cricket activities, while allowing the existing dressing room facilities at the Pavilion Building to be retained primarily for international matches.

*Consultancy Services for Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Bogura

The Board approved the appointment of a consultant to provide architectural, engineering and project-preparation consultancy services for the proposed renovation and development works at Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Bogura.