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BCB Adjusts Schedule as DPL 2026 Dominates the Calendar
In a significant update for the domestic cricket landscape in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed the postponement of the highly anticipated Sri Lanka A tour. Originally scheduled to arrive in the country later this month, the visiting squad was set to engage in a comprehensive bilateral series, featuring two four-day matches and three one-day encounters. However, administrative priorities have led to a necessary shift in planning.
Why the Postponement?
The primary driver behind this decision is the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) 2026. As one of the premier domestic competitions in the nation, the DPL is currently consuming the availability of both top-tier international stars and emerging domestic talent. BCB cricket operations in-charge Shahriar Nafees explained the situation, noting that the league’s intensity and the schedule request from the Sri Lankan side necessitated a strategic delay. While a new date has not yet been finalized, the board has confirmed that the series will be rescheduled at a more suitable time.
The DPL 2026 Landscape
The Dhaka Premier League remains the heartbeat of Bangladesh’s domestic cricket scene this season. Commencing on May 4, the tournament is slated to run through June 11, showcasing 12 club teams in the List A format. The league has become a vital platform for national players to maintain their form and match fitness. Notable international figures are currently gracing the competition; for instance, Mahedi Hasan is turning out for Legends of Rupganj, Jaker Ali is contributing to the Abahani Limited campaign, and the formidable pacer Shoriful Islam has aligned with Brother Union Limited.
Currently, the standings reflect a highly competitive environment. Mohammedan Club has emerged as the frontrunner, maintaining a perfect record with four wins from four matches and a dominant net run rate of +2.737. Hot on their heels is Prime Bank Cricket Club, also boasting four victories but sitting slightly behind with a net run rate of +1.955.
Looking Ahead: Zimbabwe HP and South Africa Tours
Despite the setback regarding the Sri Lanka A tour, the BCB remains committed to a robust development program. Shahriar Nafees has confirmed that a Zimbabwe High Performance (HP) squad will travel to Bangladesh next month. This tour is set to feature two four-day matches and three one-day fixtures, providing a crucial environment for young cricketers to test their mettle against international opposition.
Beyond home soil, the focus will shift to an ambitious overseas tour later this summer. The Bangladesh A men’s squad, alongside the men’s and women’s Emerging teams, are scheduled to tour South Africa throughout July and August. This tour represents a vital step in preparing the next generation of players for the demands of international cricket.
The schedule for the Bangladesh A tour of South Africa is already taking shape. According to Cricket South Africa, the tour will kick off with a four-day match in Pretoria from August 23 to 26, followed by a second fixture in Potchefstroom from August 30 to September 2. The white-ball leg of the tour will see the teams travel to Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and Potchefstroom for matches on September 6, 9, and 12, respectively.
Furthermore, the Bangladesh Emerging team will gain invaluable experience through a tri-series involving South Africa Emerging and USSA, scheduled from July 30 to August 12. Following the completion of the tri-series, the squad will engage in a two-match four-day series in Potchefstroom and Benoni. These tours underscore the BCB’s dedication to providing consistent high-level competitive opportunities for their players as they continue to build depth across all formats of the game.
