BCB president plans Rajshahi Premier League as part of cricket decentralisation strategy

The conversation around establishing regional cricket boards or a decentralised cricket structure in Bangladesh has been ongoing for quite some time, yet has made little tangible progress. However, since taking charge, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul has expressed his intention to spread cricket more widely across the country. As part of that vision, he has now revealed plans to launch a Premier League in the Rajshahi region.

Speaking to the media today at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium during the opening ceremony of the nationwide Under-12 six-a-side cricket tournament—part of the celebrations marking 25 years since Bangladesh attained Test status—Bulbul discussed the new initiative.

"We want to decentralise cricket and extend its reach nationwide," said the BCB president. "First-class cricket is occasionally played in Rajshahi, but we now intend to establish a Premier League in the greater Rajshahi region. We will increase cricket activity here and expand our training programmes."

Test cricket remains an area where Bangladesh continues to lag behind other nations, and Bulbul emphasised the importance of improvement in the longer format. "We want to look ahead with Test cricket. This [tournament] serves as a launchpad. People in Bangladesh, as we saw yesterday in Khulna and today in Rajshahi, are embracing Test cricket with enthusiasm. As you know, Bangladesh is already a Full Member of the ICC and has been playing Test cricket for 25 years. We want to continue hosting such events regularly—this is just one part of a larger plan."

On the topic of decentralisation, Bulbul reiterated his commitment: "You all know that we are moving towards decentralising cricket. We want to take cricket to every corner of the country. We will explore how more matches can be played in Rajshahi, how players from this region can make it into the national team, and how everyone can contribute to the growth of cricket in Bangladesh."

Praising the condition of the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium's outfield, Bulbul said, "Just look at this ground—such a beautiful outfield is rare even in many other countries. The wicket is also in excellent condition. Mahbub bhai, the chairman of the Grounds Committee, is here today. If we can replicate such facilities across the country, high-quality outfields will emerge naturally."