‘Our goal is to retain the BPL’

Defending champions Fortune Barishal enter the new Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season with high hopes, aiming to build on their triumph in the previous edition. Barishal claimed their maiden title last season with a dominant six-wicket win over Comilla Victorians, halting the defending champions' unbeaten record in five finals.

Now in their fourth season, Fortune Barishal boasts a formidable line-up featuring icons like Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad. 

They also have younger stars such as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Rishad Hossain, forming a core reminiscent of the national team. 

The franchise's overseas recruits are equally impressive, headlined by England's Dawid Malan, Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi, and Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Mizanur Rahman, the team's owner, shared insights into their preparations and challenges for the season, expressing confidence in their ability to defend the title. He confirmed that Shaheen, ranked second in the ODI bowling rankings, will play the first five to seven matches.

 "Shaheen Afridi will be available for the initial phase, which could extend to the Sylhet leg of the tournament," Mizanur stated.

Barishal's ambitions remain unwavering despite facing hurdles in squad building. This year's BPL coincides with several other T20 leagues, creating competition for player availability. "There's been a player crisis due to overlapping schedules," Mizanur explained in a conversation with The Business Standard. "Some players breached contracts after agreeing, leaving us to rebuild our squad at the last minute in previous editions. But we've managed to assemble a strong team this time."

The franchise's commitment to excellence extends beyond the playing field. Mizanur envisions the BPL evolving into a profitable and globally recognised league. "Cricket is ingrained in our culture. The BPL will eventually become a major industry because of the passion it generates among our people," he said. Despite this optimism, Barishal has yet to turn a profit since its inception in 2022.

"I had hoped for matches to be played in Barishal," Mizanur admitted. "As someone from that region, I dream of building a stadium there. Although we've recovered some ground, financial gains remain elusive. However, I believe we will achieve profitability someday." He also emphasised the importance of revenue sharing, urging the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to consider this model. "Unlike other leagues, the BPL relies solely on sponsorships for income. Revenue sharing could open new opportunities."

While financial returns have been modest, Mizanur commended the BCB for its improved organisation this season. "The board has stepped up in many areas, leaving little room for complaints," he remarked. "The pre-match programmes, like the music fest, have been fantastic, and issues like umpiring, prize money, and DRS have been addressed effectively."

Decentralisation of the tournament is another priority for the Barishal owner, who believes it could significantly boost the BPL's popularity. "Most matches are held in Mirpur, but games in other cities attract packed galleries," he observed. "If matches were hosted in Barishal, we could fill five stadiums with the number of fans eager to attend. A home-away format would enhance the league's appeal, especially in Chattogram and Sylhet, crowds turn up in large numbers," he added.

Tk50 lakh investment in a stadium in their home region reflects their commitment to expanding the league's footprint. Mizanur hopes the venue will soon host BPL matches.

Reflecting on the BPL's evolution, Mizanur acknowledged its decline compared to other franchise leagues but remains hopeful about its resurgence. "There was a time when the BPL was just behind the IPL in stature," he recalled. "While we've fallen behind, progress is visible, and I believe we'll regain our position."

Barishal's sole focus this season is to retain their title, a challenge Mizanur is confident the team is prepared to meet. "We always aim to win the title. This year, our goal is to reach the final and secure another championship," he affirmed.