DPL returns with new rules, enhanced facilities for players

The 2025–26 season of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) will kick off on Monday (4 May), with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) introducing a series of reforms aimed at enhancing professionalism, player welfare and integrity.

The decision regarding the tournament structure and schedule was finalized earlier this week by Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) and BCB. 

The league is set to conclude on June 11.

Addressing a press conference in Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today (2 May), BCB ad-hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal announced a strict ban on mobile phone usage in dressing rooms, stating that players and officials must deposit their phones upon entering the ground.

"No one will be able to use phones in the dressing room this time," Tamim said, adding that the measure is part of efforts to align with ICC anti-corruption regulations.

Tamim said reviving the DPL was a top priority after a prolonged disruption in domestic cricket activities.

"For every cricketer in Bangladesh, this is one of the most important tournaments in our cricketing ecosystem," he said, thanking participating clubs for their cooperation.

In a significant shift, BCB will also take over meal arrangements for all teams, replacing the long-standing practice where clubs provided their own food. 

The board aims to ensure healthier, fitness-oriented meals, although Tamim acknowledged that adapting to new dietary standards may take time for domestic players.

The BCB has also strengthened medical preparedness for the tournament. Multiple ambulances, including ICU-equipped units, will be stationed across six venues to respond to emergencies.

"We believe it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone involved," Tamim said.

The new season of the DPL will mark a more structured and regulated approach to Bangladesh's premier domestic one-day competition, Tamim noted.

The league will be held without a Super League or relegation league this time, after the BCB revised the format shortly before the tournament begins.

Under the updated structure, the competition will feature 66 matches in total, reduced from the previously announced 69. The reduction follows the board's decision to scrap the relegation league, which was earlier expected to include three matches.

Despite removing the relegation phase, BCB has retained relegation rules based on the points table. The bottom two teams at the end of the league stage will be relegated to the First Division Cricket League. The team finishing at the top of the standings will be crowned champions, while the second-placed side will be declared runners-up.

The Dhaka League remains one of the most significant domestic cricket tournaments in the country and serves as a major source of livelihood for around 200 cricketers across 12 participating teams.

Traditional powerhouses such as Mohammedan Sporting Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club, Abahani Limited and Dhaka Leopards have assembled strong squads, although other teams are also expected to remain competitive.

The presence of national team limited-overs players from the outset is set to add further excitement to the league, with additional players expected to join after the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.

Matches will be held across six venues, including BKSP Grounds 3 and 4, Cricketers Academy Ground, Bashundhara Sports City Ground, PKSP Ground 2 and ULAB University Ground.