Mahbub Anam replaces Faruque Ahmed as new BPL chairman

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Thursday, June 19th, that Mahbub Anam will succeed Faruque Ahmed as the new chairman of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the nation's premier franchise-based T20 cricket tournament. The decision was finalized during a meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Mahbub Anam will be the new BPL chairman. © BCB

In related news, Nazmul Abedin, a prominent BCB director, will maintain his position as the member secretary of the BPL governing council. Faim Sinha will serve as a member of the governing council.

"Mahbub bhai was named as the new chairman of BPL governing council," a BCB official confirmed to Cricbuzz following the meeting.

The BPL governing council will commence its work with the next edition of the tournament, following the conclusion of the previous three-year cycle with the 2024-25 edition.

The BPL faced considerable criticism last year due to issues regarding non-payment and allegations of fixing, which led to the formation of an investigation committee. However, the committee's report has yet to be released to the public.

According to a BCB official, efforts will be made to host the tournament in December, but acknowledged the challenges involved. "BPL's slot is always in December, so we had a small meeting following the board meeting as everyone is busy with the carnival (to celebrate 25 years of Test cricket)," the official stated.

Discussions have begun regarding the desired model for the BPL. The primary challenge is to increase the brand value of the BPL. The BCB plans to seek assistance from professional consultants or a consultancy firm or agency. A four- or five-year cycle is under consideration. "We started the discussion today, and next week we will shape things up," the official added.

The feasibility of hosting the BPL will be determined as work progresses. A new model and approach are required, and if significant challenges arise, the number of teams may be reduced from seven to five. "Even if in a small scale, we want to hold a T20 event," he stated.

While doubts exist about hosting the next BPL before the general elections, the official believes that a well-projected model, similar to other franchise tournaments, could attract companies to purchase franchises.

"Big challenge but international bidding and if we can enact a good business model like other franchise leagues, then good organizations would be interested to come," said the official. "We will pitch our ideas and our model to different companies and see whose approval we have got."

Besides the BPL, BCB directors also discussed the media rights bidding process and planned for the carnival to commemorate 25 years of Test cricket.