BCB postpones BPL opening ceremony over security concerns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the postponement of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) opening ceremony, citing security concerns. BCB President Aminul Islam confirmed the decision on Wednesday.

The BPL Governing Council had previously announced that the tournament's 12th edition would commence on December 26 in Sylhet, preceded by an opening ceremony in Dhaka on December 24. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. following a meeting with newly appointed sports advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has decided against holding the ceremony.

Sources indicate that senior government officials suggested rescheduling the opening ceremony to four days after the originally planned date. The BCB, however, determined that such a change was not feasible because it could affect the availability of international players.

"We won't do an opening ceremony because the overall situation of the country plus security is a big factor here," Aminul told reporters. "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."

Echoing this sentiment, the BPL Governing Council released a statement hours after the announcement, confirming that the government's advice led to the postponement. The council stated that it decided to forgo the opening ceremony to ensure the safety of all involved, aligning with the government's recommendations regarding mass gatherings.

The BPL Governing Council reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an exciting and competitive tournament, with the first match still scheduled for December 26, 2025, in Sylhet. The council emphasized its focus on creating a secure environment for players, spectators, officials, and all stakeholders. Operational readiness remains a priority as preparations continue. The BCB and the BPL Governing Council expressed their anticipation for welcoming fans to the stadiums for the tournament.