The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) governing council aims to enhance the tournament's popularity, expanding its reach beyond sports audiences to make a positive impact on both the cultural and business sectors.
BCB officials made the announcement after Dutch Bangla Bank Limited was named the title sponsor for the upcoming edition of the tournament, scheduled to take place from December 30 to February 7.
DBBL's mobile financial service, Rocket, and e-wallet NexusPay will serve as co-sponsors for the upcoming BPL.
This bank has a history of working with the BCB, having been the title sponsor during Bangladesh's inaugural Test in 2000, as well as the home series title sponsor from 2016 to 2018.
“We don't want this BPL to be limited to just the field. Our goal is for it to have a broader social impact, positively influencing both the cultural and business sectors,” BPL member secretary Nazmul Abedin told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.
"I think this is now the only occasion for which people eagerly wait. There are a lot of criticisms about the tournament, but people still have interest. We want to capitalise on this interest and use it for the betterment of society," he said.
Nazmul added that they are planning to arrange nationwide programmes for the 11th edition of the tournament, scheduled to begin on 30 December.
"Along with the game, there will be many programmes nationwide. A total of nine ministries will be involved in the tournament. Many organisations are expected to participate, making this BPL unique from other events. It will be tough to make it happen, but we are trying our best to make it possible,” said the newly-appointed member secretary.
Nazmul also said that he will try to address the non-professional matters in the BPL this time, as he will have the chance to work more closely, especially in decision-making.
"There are a lot of things to do. I never found it professional. I was told to coach a side only a few days before the tournament started. They didn't know where to practice or who would be their coaches, so there were no plans," he said, adding that he wants to see the franchises given ample time to prepare for the tournament.
"It's also true that when a team is given for only one year, it's difficult for them to make a long-term plan. So it's important to give these teams a longer period, like three or five years, so that they can plan, invest, and create a structure. From players to franchise owners, there should be a professional attitude for a competitive tournament. Personally, I will keep my eyes open regarding this matter," he said.
"We want to make a few changes in two to three areas, particularly in enhancing the fan experience while watching the game. We have already heard the enthusiasm of our chief adviser regarding a successful BPL. He had recent involvement with the Olympics and wants to reflect the same in the BPL. Our sports adviser is also aware of this development," he said.
The sponsors have announced plans to use perimeter and LED boards for better branding in the upcoming BPL.
Abul Kashem Md Shirin, CEO and managing director of DBBL, and renowned actor and director Afzal Hossain, representative of Impress Matra, were present at the occasion, alongside Nazmul.
The tournament will be held in three different venues – Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet – and the matches will be telecast live on T Sports, Gazi TV, the T Sports App, and the RabbitholeBd App.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
