BPL 2025–26 to feature only five teams after major restructure

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 season will see a major reshuffle, with the tournament set to feature five teams, down from seven in the previous edition. Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders are the only franchises retaining their previous ownership, while three others, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, have undergone ownership changes.

As a result, Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, and Sylhet Strikers have been replaced by Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Sylhet Titans. Defending champions Fortune Barishal, who won the last two BPL titles, and Khulna Tigers are no longer part of the competition.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the list of participating teams on Thursday, November 6, but did not disclose details regarding the new ownership groups. The BPL player draft is scheduled for November 17, with the tournament expected to run from mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026.

BCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain stated on Tuesday, November 5 that letters will be sent to players and officials allegedly involved in irregularities during last year’s BPL, barring them from participation this season. The decision follows recommendations from the Independent Inquiry Committee investigating anomalies from the 2024 BPL season.