BPL set to start on December 19

Ending all speculations, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) governing council announced that the BPL T20 will kick off on December 19.

 The tournament will be held in a short window with the final scheduled to take place on January 16.

A total of six teams will take part in the tournament although the governing council earlier informed that it will be a five-team event.

However, Noakhali Express is the new edition of the tournament.

Old two franchises-- Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Capital and new other three teams-- Sylhet Titans, Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors-- are the other five to grace the 12th edition of the tournament.

Speaking to the media today, BPL governing council member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu revealed that a total of 500 foreign players put their name to play the BPL but they selected 250 amongst them.

He also clarified to increase the number of teams, saying that: "We have taken the decision to increase the number of franchises from five to six to accommodate more local players."

"Moreover the scheduling was also a factor since it was difficult to arrange two matches per day with only five teams."

He further informed that they planned to start the tournament from Sylhet followed by a short opening ceremony in Dhaka.

"What is new in this tournament is that we are planning to start the tournament in Sylhet. The final is likely to be held on January 16. We are also planning to arrange a short opening ceremony on December 17 in Dhaka," said Mithu.

The players' auction, which set to return to the tournament after 12 years hiatus, will be held on November 30 at a local hotel in the city.

 The teams had already started forming their squad with Dhaka Capitals confirming the service of Taskin Ahmed and Saif Hassan as direct signing apart from acquiring the service of some overseas players.

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan Tamim joined Rajshahi as their direct signing while Sylhet roped in Nasum Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Nururl Hasan Sohan and Mustafizur are the direct signing of Rangpur Riders which also confirmed some overseas recruits. 

Tanvir Islam and Mahedi Hasan are supposed to be the direct signing of Chattogram Royals.