The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the postponement of the opening ceremony for the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) due to security concerns. The decision was confirmed by BCB president Aminul Islam on Wednesday, December 17.
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The BPL was set to begin on December 26 in Sylhet, with the grand opening ceremony scheduled in Dhaka on December 24. However, following consultations with newly appointed sports adviser Asif Nazrul and senior government officials, the board decided not to hold the ceremony. Rescheduling was considered but deemed unfeasible, as it could affect the availability of overseas players amid tight tournament logistics.
Speaking to reporters, Aminul Islam said, “We won’t do an opening ceremony because the overall situation of the country, plus security, is a big factor here. Our job is to make sure the cricket matches run well. At this moment, we are focusing more on cricket.”
The BPL Governing Council echoed similar sentiments, stating the decision followed government advice on mass gatherings. “Aligned with the current advice from the Bangladesh Government and with the objective of ensuring maximum protection for everyone, the BPL Governing Council has decided not to organize any pre-event function or opening ceremony involving large crowds,” the council said in a press release.
The council reassured fans that the tournament will proceed as planned, starting December 26 in Sylhet. “Our focus is on delivering a secure, well-managed environment for players, spectators, match officials, and all stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming fans to the stadiums and delivering a tournament that reflects the spirit, excitement, and excellence of the BPL T20 2026,” the statement added.
