National Cricket League T20 will be an annual fixture ahead of the BPL, says BCB president
This much-anticipated addition has been designed to mirror the structure of the existing National Cricket League (NCL), offering a new competitive stage for domestic cricketers.
Bangladesh's cricket landscape is set for a significant transformation with the introduction of the National Cricket League T20 (NCL T20), which will become an annual event preceding the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), as confirmed by BCB President Faruque Ahmed.
Scheduled to begin on 11 December at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, the tournament is designed to provide a platform for local players to shine while bridging the gap in domestic T20 cricket beyond the BPL.
The NCL T20 will feature seven divisions—excluding Mymensingh—and Dhaka Metro, with all teams competing in a round-robin league format. Sylhet will host the league stage, while the playoffs and final will take place at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
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On 23 November, a grand event at a five-star hotel in Dhaka marked the official launch of the NCL T20, where its logo and sponsors were unveiled. The programme was a glittering affair, with Dhallywood stars Siam Ahmed and Amin Khan gracing the occasion, adding an extra layer of glamour to the BCB's announcement.
Speaking at the event, BCB President Faruque Ahmed underlined the significance of the tournament.
"After taking responsibility, we decided to host at least one T20-format tournament beyond the BPL. From now on, this event will be an annual fixture ahead of the BPL, showcasing only local players," he declared.
He also explained how the competition would prepare local players for the challenges of international cricket. "We often talk about the value of local players sharing a dressing room with foreign players. But before that, there's a need for proper preparation, which this tournament will ensure."
The NCL T20 will be broadcast live on T-Sports, Bangladesh's only dedicated sports channel, allowing fans from around the globe to follow the action. With all matches accessible to viewers worldwide, the competition promises to bring greater visibility to domestic cricket and its emerging stars.
The initiative addresses a long-standing demand for an additional T20 competition in Bangladesh. While the BPL has drawn significant international attention, the NCL T20 focuses solely on homegrown talent.
The BCB has committed to making this a regular feature, creating a pathway for local players to gain vital experience and showcase their skills in the shortest format of the game.
As the inaugural season approaches, anticipation is high, and the BCB's ambitious new venture signals a promising future for Bangladesh's domestic cricket.
