DPL likely to restart in May-June with new format
Collected
|| CF DESK ||
Hridoy to miss next DPL match after BCB rectifies suspension error
24 Apr 25
The Dhaka Premier League was closed after the end of the first round in March last year due to corona pandemic as only one round was rolled on the field. The Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to return to the Premier League field after one year. However, CCDM chairman Kazi Inam Ahmed hinted on Tuesday the suspended league will not be 50 overs match instead it will be play in T20 format, which will likely to start from May or June.
BCB has already returned international cricket during the corona period at home ground. They have also organized two domestic tournaments. However, despite the return of international cricket, the country's cricket board has not been able to bring back the National Cricket League (NCL) and the Dhaka Premier League (DPL).
"We are making a cricket calendar for the next 2-3 years which the CEO of the board has already announced. It is long-term process. We are trying to look forward how to start the last year league as there was a major problem with health risks, we want to do it for the players but after three years almost all the national team players are playing in the Dhaka Premier League again. The national team players are now in international commitment. Excluding them, the tournament is difficult to do. There are 1-2 teams who will not be able to form the XI without them.
"So we can't change teams in the middle of the tournament. Considering everything we are trying to get one or two windows. Unfortunately we are not able to do that before May-June. Since we know what we have on the international calendar. If we can get at least one window in May-June, we will try for 25-30 days. We are looking forward to it, we'll sit down and talk to the clubs soon. We are concerned about the players and we want to organize the tournament any way possible. Even if we need to change the format to a different format. Our Premier League is played in ODI format, if we have to do T20, we will talk to the clubs" said Inam.
However, Cricketers' salaries may be reduced due to the financial loss caused by the epidemic. Although this is not certain, CCDM chairman said that he has received offers from some cricketers to start playing by reducing their fees.
“We have to talk to the club about it. There is also a representative body of cricketers, CWAB [Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh], we have to talk to them too. Our main goal is to get the cricketers adequate care. Earlier, the cricketers also told me that we should organize a tournament anyway.
“Therefore, we (cricketers) are willing to consider the deduction of fees for the resumption of the game. However, I think after talking to the clubs and CWAB, we will decide whether such a coordination is needed or not” he added.
