BPL

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). It is one of the three professional cricket leagues in Bangladesh and is considered the 16th most attended premier league in the world. The league features seven teams competing in a double round-robin format followed by playoffs, culminating in a championship game between the top two teams.

Birth of the Bangladesh Premier League

The BPL was formed in 2011 by the BCB to replace the National Cricket League Twenty20. It has since grown in popularity and has become a significant event in the cricket calendar. The league’s first season was held in February 2012, with matches played in Dhaka and Chittagong. The BPL is governed by the BPL Governing Council, chaired by the chairman of the council.

The birth of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) can be traced back to the early 2010s when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sought to capitalize on the growing popularity of Twenty20 cricket around the world. Inspired by the success of franchise-based leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India and the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, the BCB envisioned a similar league format for Bangladesh.

In 2011, the BCB announced plans to replace the National Cricket League with a franchise-based T20 league. This decision came after the suspension of its predecessor organization, the 2009/10 National Cricket League Twenty20, due to various issues. The BCB aimed to create a more professional and commercially viable cricket league that would attract top talent and international attention.

To establish the BPL, the BCB entered into a significant deal with Game on Sports Group in January 2012. The six-year, 350-crore deal gave the group exclusive management rights to the tournament, laying the foundation for the league’s governance and operations. This partnership was crucial in shaping the initial structure and management of the BPL, setting the stage for its first edition.

The inaugural season of the BPL was held in February 2012, with matches taking place across Dhaka and Chittagong. The league was launched with six franchises representing the largest cities of Bangladesh. The first season featured a player auction where 13 companies participated in the bidding process to win the rights for each club. This auction marked the beginning of a new era in Bangladeshi cricket, as top players from Bangladesh and around the world were signed by the franchises.

The BPL’s debut season was marked by a lavish opening ceremony at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, showcasing the excitement and grandeur of the league. The tournament received significant attention from fans and media, with matches being held at prime venues and broadcasted nationally and internationally.

Winners of the Bangladesh Premier League:

2012 (1st edition): The inaugural season of the BPL featured six franchises from the largest cities of Bangladesh. The first match was played between Sylhet Royals and Barisal Burners, with Dhaka Gladiators emerging as the champions.

2013 (2nd edition): Rangpur Riders were added as the seventh team for this season. Dhaka Gladiators once again won the championship by defeating Chittagong Kings in the final.

2015 (3rd edition): After a hiatus in 2014 due to a match-fixing scandal, the BPL returned with six new franchises. Comilla Victorians won the competition by beating Barisal Bulls in the final.

2016 (4th edition): Dhaka Dynamites emerged as champions by defeating Rajshahi Kings in the final.

2017 (5th edition): Rangpur Riders won their first title by defeating Dhaka Dynamites in the final.

2018 (6th edition): Comilla Victorians secured their second title by defeating Dhaka Dynamites in the final.

2019 (7th edition): Rajshahi Royals won their maiden title by defeating Khulna Tigers in the final.

2022 (8th edition): Comilla Victorians clinched their third title by defeating Fortune Barishal in a thrilling final.

2023 (9th edition): Comilla Victorians continued their dominance by winning their second successive and overall fourth title by defeating Sylhet Strikers in the final.

Team Performances:

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has seen several teams compete with varying degrees of success since its inception. Here’s a detailed overview of the performances of the major teams in the league:

1. Comilla Victorians: They have been the most successful team in the BPL, winning four titles in 2015, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Known for their consistent performances and strong team composition, Comilla Victorians have been a dominant force in the league.

2. Dhaka Dynamites: With three championship titles in 2012, 2013, and 2016, Dhaka Dynamites have been one of the most successful teams in the BPL. They have also finished as runners-up twice, in 2017 and 2019, showcasing their competitive spirit and ability to reach the finals consistently.

3. Rajshahi Royals: Despite being a relatively newer team, Rajshahi Royals made a significant impact by winning their only title in the 2019–20 season. They also finished as runners-up once in 2016, highlighting their ability to compete at the highest level.

4. Rangpur Riders: Rangpur Riders clinched their first and only title in the 2017 season. While they haven’t achieved multiple championships like some other teams, their victory in 2017 showcased their potential to compete and win in the league.

5. Fortune Barishal: Fortune Barishal has been a competitive team in the BPL, reaching the finals three times (2012, 2015, 2019) but finishing as runners-up on all three occasions. Despite not winning a title yet, they have consistently performed well in the league.

6. Chattogram Challengers: Chattogram Challengers have been a part of the league, with their best performance coming in the 2013 season when they finished as runners-up. They have been a competitive team but have not yet won the championship.

7. Khulna Tigers: Khulna Tigers have also been a consistent team in the BPL, with their best performance being reaching the finals in the 2019–20 season, where they finished as runners-up. They have shown potential but are yet to win the title.

8. Sylhet Strikers: Sylhet Strikers have participated in the league and had their best performance in the 2023 season when they finished as runners-up. While they have shown promise, they are still striving to achieve their first championship victory.

League Organization and Format:

The BPL is structured as an association of member teams, with all income generated through television rights, sponsorship, ticket sales, and other means shared between the BCB and the participating franchises. The league is controlled by a Governing Council appointed by the BCB. Each team plays every other team twice in the round-robin stage, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.

Draft System:

The BPL operates a draft system to assign players to teams. Franchises can choose new players during an annual draft, retain players from one year to the next, and sign players outside of the draft. Imago Sports Management has been conducting the players’ draft event since 2015.

Bangladesh Premier League Records

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has witnessed numerous memorable moments and outstanding performances since its inception. From breathtaking centuries to stunning bowling spells, the tournament has been a showcase of talent and skill. Let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable records in the history of the BPL:

1. Highest Team Total: The highest team total in the BPL is 239/4 by Dhaka Dynamites against Khulna Titans on November 24, 2017.

2. Lowest Team Total: The lowest team total in the BPL is 44 by Sylhet Super Stars against Rangpur Riders on December 13, 2015.

3. Highest Individual Score: The highest individual score in the BPL is 146 by Chris Gayle for Rangpur Riders against Dhaka Dynamites on November 18, 2017.

4. Best Bowling Figures in an Innings: The best bowling figures in an innings in the BPL are 6/17 by Al-Amin Hossain for Barisal Burners against Duronto Rajshahi on February 11, 2012.

5. Most Runs in a Single Season: The record for the most runs in a single season of the BPL is 567 runs by Chris Gayle for Rangpur Riders in the 2017-18 season.

6. Most Wickets in a Single Season: The record for the most wickets in a single season of the BPL is 24 wickets by Shakib Al Hasan for Dhaka Dynamites in the 2016-17 season.

7. Highest Partnership: The highest partnership in the BPL is 196 runs for the 2nd wicket between Chris Gayle and Mahela Jayawardene for Dhaka Gladiators against Rangpur Riders on February 19, 2012.

8. Most Fifties: The record for the most fifties in the BPL is held by Mushfiqur Rahim, who has scored 19 fifties in the tournament.

9. Most Ducks: The record for the most ducks in the BPL is held by Alok Kapali, who has been dismissed for a duck 18 times in the tournament.

10. Most Catches by a Fielder: The record for the most catches by a fielder in the BPL is held by Mahmudullah, who has taken 56 catches in the tournament.

11. Most Dismissals by a Wicketkeeper: The record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in the BPL is held by Mushfiqur Rahim, who has effected 70 dismissals (58 catches and 12 stumpings) in the tournament.

12. Best Economy Rate in an Innings (Minimum 3 Overs): The best economy rate in an innings in the BPL is 0.75 by Shakib Al Hasan for Dhaka Dynamites against Khulna Titans on December 3, 2017.

13. Most Runs in a Single Over: The most runs scored in a single over in the BPL is 30 runs by Rony Talukdar off the bowling of Mohammad Amir for Dhaka Dynamites against Chittagong Vikings on November 22, 2019.

14. Youngest Player: The youngest player to debut in the BPL is Afif Hossain, who made his debut for Rajshahi Kings at the age of 16 years and 325 days on November 22, 2016.

These records highlight the incredible talent and memorable performances that have graced the Bangladesh Premier League over the years. As the tournament continues to evolve, we can expect to see more thrilling moments and new records being set by the talented cricketers who participate in this exciting competition.

Sponsorship and Broadcasting:

The BPL has had various sponsors over the years, including Destiny Group, Prime Bank Limited, BRB Cables Limited, and Abul Khair Steel (AKS). The league has been broadcasted in several countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the Caribbean, the United States, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Sponsorships play a crucial role in the success and sustainability of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), providing financial support and visibility for the league. Since its inception, the BPL has secured several lucrative sponsorship deals that have contributed to its growth and development.

The first season of the BPL in 2012 was sponsored by Bangladeshi conglomerate Destiny Group, which negotiated a one-year sponsorship package worth 75 million taka (approximately US$1.0 million). This initial sponsorship deal helped establish the league’s financial foundation and set the stage for future partnerships.

In the second season, Prime Bank Limited took over as the main sponsor, offering a sponsorship deal worth 100 million taka (approximately US$1.5 million). This increased investment reflected the growing popularity and commercial potential of the BPL, attracting more attention from sponsors and investors.

In 2015, BRB Cables Limited became the title sponsor for the third season, with a sponsorship deal valued at 150 million taka (approximately US$2.0 million). This partnership further solidified the league’s financial stability and contributed to its expansion and reach.

The fourth and fifth editions of the BPL were sponsored by Abul Khair Steel (AKS), a sister concern group of Abul Khair Industries Limited. This sponsorship deal, along with support from Shah Cement, amounted to 22 crore taka (approximately US$2.1 million) and 433 crore taka (approximately US$40 million) for the respective seasons. These partnerships highlighted the growing commercial value of the BPL and its ability to attract major sponsors.

In 2019, United Commercial Bank Ltd (UCB) and TVS Motor Company became the sponsors for the BPL, indicating the league’s continued appeal to prominent brands. This sponsorship deal, along with support from Akash DTH and TVS Motor Company, underscored the league’s financial viability and attractiveness to sponsors.

In 2022, BBS Cables and Walton secured the sponsorship rights for the BPL, showcasing the ongoing interest of companies in associating with the league. This partnership, along with broadcasting rights with GTV and T Sports, further enhanced the visibility and commercial value of the BPL.

In 2023, M. M. Ispahani Limited and Minister Group became the sponsors for the BPL, demonstrating the sustained interest of businesses in supporting the league. This sponsorship deal, along with broadcasting rights with Nagorik TV, highlighted the continued growth and appeal of the BPL in the sports sponsorship market.

Overall, sponsorships have been instrumental in the success of the Bangladesh Premier League, providing crucial financial support and promotional opportunities. These partnerships have not only contributed to the league’s growth and sustainability but also elevated its status as one of the premier cricket leagues in the world.

The Bangladesh Premier League has played a significant role in promoting cricket in Bangladesh and providing a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. With its exciting format and competitive matches, the BPL continues to be a key event in the global cricket calendar.

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