Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchises have urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to introduce a five-year calendar for the country’s flagship T20 competition, saying greater certainty is essential to make the league sustainable and more attractive to international players.

Representatives of Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Capitals and Rajshahi Warriors raised the demand during a meeting with BCB president Tamim Iqbal at the board headquarters. They also expressed willingness to accept changes to the tournament structure if it helps strengthen the league.

Rangpur Riders CEO Ishtiaque Sadeque questioned the sustainability of the current model, admitting that payments to some local and overseas players from the latest edition remain pending. He blamed sponsors’ failure to honour commitments, adding that the market situation was deteriorating. “We have asked for a five-year calendar. Because when we go to contract players, there are a minimum of 20 franchise cricket leagues in the international T20 market. So our BPL gets the lowest priority,” he said.

Rajshahi Warriors CEO Mokhsedul Kamal Babu acknowledged disappointment over the break in continuity but said franchises were ready to accept disruption if it led to a stronger competition. Dhaka Capitals CEO Atik Fahad added that they were willing to give Tamim time to improve the tournament model.

Meanwhile, players are set to meet BCB officials today to discuss the future of the league. CWAB president Mohammad Mithun said national players would first hold an internal meeting before sitting with the board. “All the players are coming tomorrow and we will hold a meeting within us first and then after we will sit with the BCB and come to a decision,” Mithun told BD Times.