
Fortune Barishal has requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to reschedule the BPL 2023-24, citing preparation challenges with the short timeline. Team owner Mizanur Rahman emphasized that organizing players, funds, and logistics in just one or two months is nearly impossible. Despite speculation, Rahman clarified that Barishal isn't withdrawing from the tournament, but is seeking more time to ensure proper preparation for the upcoming season.
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 is generating plenty of buzz, and now Fortune Barishal is adding its voice to the conversation. The team, which has been a prominent part of the league in recent years, is asking the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to reschedule the tournament. This request follows the BCB's announcement of the opening of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for new franchise owners in the 12th-16th seasons of the BPL.
The crux of Fortune Barishal's concern lies in the short preparation timeline. According to the team's owner, Mizanur Rahman, organizing a competitive squad in just one or two months is virtually impossible. "Even if we have the players, organizing funds, securing the necessary equipment, and finalizing the roster—all of that takes time," Mizanur explained.
The BPL reschedule request stems from these logistical challenges. Fortune Barishal, like many other teams, needs more than a couple of months to prepare properly. Rahman believes that trying to pull everything together so quickly could compromise the quality of their performance. "It's becoming impossible for a team like us to prepare for the tournament in such a short time frame," he added. He also mentioned that the franchise would not withdraw from the competition but would prefer a more reasonable timeframe for the tournament.
The BCB has opened the process for acquiring franchise ownership rights, with a five-season commitment for the 12th to 16th editions of BPL. The rights will be granted through a merit-based, transparent process, and the board is considering EOI submissions from reputable business houses. Ten franchise regions have been outlined, including cities such as Chattogram, Cumilla, and Rajshahi, with Barishal among the major ones.
However, despite the official announcement of BPL's progression, there has been widespread speculation surrounding Fortune Barishal's future participation. Mizanur Rahman, however, was quick to clarify that while they are requesting more time, they are not withdrawing from the competition. "I haven't said that we won't play in the BPL. All I said is that in this short span of time, it will be difficult for a team like us to play," he emphasized.
While Fortune Barishal's concerns are valid, they raise a broader question: will other teams also face similar challenges? Mizanur's statement suggests that other experienced teams, such as Rangpur Riders, could also struggle to perform at their best under such a compressed timeline. His plea for rescheduling highlights the importance of giving franchises enough time to adequately prepare, without compromising the tournament's quality.
Amid all the uncertainty, the fate of Fortune Barishal's skipper, Tamim Iqbal, has also been a point of discussion. Recently, Tamim announced a boycott of all cricket under the leadership of newly elected BCB president Aminul Islam. However, Mizanur Rahman was quick to clarify that there are no such issues with the BPL. "I don't think there's any truth to the idea that Tamim won't play in the BPL," Mizanur said, expressing confidence that if the tournament goes ahead, Tamim will be on the field leading Barishal.
Fortune Barishal's request to reschedule a BPL match highlights the real challenges of organizing a high-level competition like the Bangladesh Premier League. With the BCB considering all teams' interests, the final decision will be crucial for the success of the upcoming season. If the tournament is rescheduled, it will not only give Fortune Barishal but also other teams adequate preparation time, ensuring a competitive and exciting BPL.
For now, the cricket community is eagerly awaiting the BCB's response. As for Fortune Barishal, it remains committed to the tournament but hopes for more time to ensure the team can perform at its best.
Fortune Barishal's request to reschedule its BPL match reflects the logistical challenges faced by franchise teams in preparing for a major tournament. With Mizanur Rahman pushing for more time, the BCB's next steps could shape the future of the Bangladesh Premier League. Will the reschedule happen? Only time will tell.
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