BCB postpones BPL opening ceremony over security concerns
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam said on Wednesday that the board has decided to postpone the opening ceremony of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) due to security concerns.
The BPL Governing Council had earlier announced that the tournament would begin on December 26 in Sylhet, following an opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Dhaka on December 24.
However, Aminul said there are now no plans to hold an opening ceremony following a meeting with newly appointed sports adviser Asif Nazrul.
Cricbuzz understands that senior government officials had wanted the opening ceremony to be rescheduled and proposed staging it four days after the original date. The board, however, conveyed that such a change would not be feasible at this stage, as it could affect the availability of overseas players for the tournament.
The political situation in the country has also intensified in recent times, with national elections approaching on February 12, 2026.
"We won't do an opening ceremony because the overall situation of the country plus security is a big factor here," Aminul told reporters at a private programme on Wednesday. "Our job is to make sure the cricket matches run well. So, we are keeping focus on all sides. But at this moment, we are paying more attention to cricket."
Hours after the announcement, the BPL Governing Council echoed a similar sentiment, stating that the decision to postpone the opening ceremony was taken following advice from the government.
"Aligned with the current advice from the Bangladesh Government on mass gatherings, and with the objective of ensuring maximum protection for everyone concerned, the BPL Governing Council has decided not to organize any pre-event function or opening ceremony involving large crowds," the BPL Governing Council said in a press release.
"The Governing Council of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an exciting and competitive 12th edition of the tournament, scheduled to commence on 26 December 2025 in Sylhet," it added.
"As preparations progress, the Governing Council is focused on ensuring a secure and well-managed environment for players, spectators, match officials and all stakeholders involved in the competition. Operational readiness for all participants remains at the core of the planning process.
"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the BPL Governing Council look forward to welcoming fans to the stadiums and delivering a tournament that truly reflects the spirit, excitement, and excellence of the Bangladesh Premier League T20 2026," it added.
