Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is considering the introduction of a Women's Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as part of its efforts to elevate women's cricket in the country, according to BCB President Faruque Ahmed. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative had been proposed previously, mirroring similar efforts in countries like India, Australia, and England. However, the plan faced obstacles due to a lack of interest from business houses and sponsors. "The idea of Women's BPL is fantastic. It can make wonders in our women's cricket," Faruque told reporters, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the board's capacity to host such an event. He expressed the board's commitment to providing proper facilities and support to the women's team to help them excel on the international stage. While the focus remains on women's cricket, the BCB is also prioritizing the success of the upcoming men's BPL. Faruque highlighted his desire to strengthen the league, ensuring that major franchises remain involved for the long term. He noted that stability in the league is crucial, as frequent changes in franchises due to economic challenges and team withdrawals are not ideal. "We want to ensure the BPL could take place with seven teams despite several obstacles," he stated. Addressing financial issues, Faruque acknowledged that unpaid dues from franchises have been a persistent problem since the BPL's inception. The BCB is taking legal measures to address these issues, with arbitration processes underway to recover outstanding fees. "We've taken legal arbitration measures for franchises with unpaid fees from the last BPL," he said, expressing hope that the dues, owed by four to five teams, would be recovered soon.
