"Preliminary evidence of struggle and decline is mounting ahead of the tenth season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), once thought to be a major T20 cricket league. While it once aimed to compete with elite leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), the BPL is currently struggling to gain international recognition."

 

The league's organizers recently encountered difficulties obtaining a title sponsor, bringing attention to the current state of an event that was formerly thought to be profitable. The BPL was only intended to be the second-best T20 league in the world when it was first introduced in 2012; Nowadays, it merely functions as a domestic competition in Bangladesh.

Recruiting elite foreign players and coaches is one of the biggest problems the BPL is currently facing. This year, the league mainly depends on local coaches, most of whom don't have a confirmed history of success in coaching. On the other hand, the worth of the Indian Premier League's brand has exceeded $10 billion, showing a remarkable 28% rise in 2023, as reported by Brand Finance.

Comparisons with other successful T20 leagues further underscore BPL's struggles. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have flourished over the years, with CPL's economic impact exceeding $200 million in 2022 and PSL's broadcasting rights being sold for over $24 million for the 2022-2023 season.

Due to multiple franchises going through ownership changes and rebranding the BPL has faced challenges in maintaining team consistency, with numerous franchises undergoing rebranding and changes in ownership. The lack of stability has played a part in the teams not having a clear sense of who they are, which has made it challenging for supporters to establish a connection with them.

Franchise disinterest is a major obstacle for the BPL. Teams are seeking a practical revenue generation model, rather than the revenue-sharing system in other leagues like the PSL. If the board does not address this issue, there is a significant threat of teams leaving the league after the 2024 season.

One key issue that sets the BPL apart from successful T20 leagues is the lack of a core group of players associated with specific teams. This makes it challenging for fans to identify with and support a particular team.

The league's concentration in Mirpur, limited venue diversity, and subpar broadcasting quality have contributed to a decline in interest, particularly among rural fans. Collaborative efforts with leaders from other premier leagues have been dismissed by the BPL governing body, opting to operate independently despite potential benefits.

To restore its reputation in the eyes of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, the Bangladesh Premier League, which is rapidly approaching its tenth season, is at a crossroads. The league's problems necessitate a review of its management, marketing, and organizational structure to guarantee long-term expansion and international awareness.