The 11th season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to kick off on December 30, 2024, bringing together seven competitive franchises in an exhilarating T20 tournament. Running until February 7, 2025, the BPL will feature matches across three iconic cricket venues in Bangladesh: the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
With multiple teams competing in day and night matches, the tournament promises an action-packed season for cricket fans both locally and internationally.
BPL 2025: Structure and Schedule
The BPL 2025 begins with a double-header on December 30, 2024. In the season opener, Fortune Barishal will face Durbar Rajshahi, followed by Rangpur Riders taking on Dhaka Capitals. The matches will continue in a round-robin format, with each team playing twice against every other team.
After the league stage, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs, including an Eliminator and two Qualifier rounds, ultimately leading to the final on February 7, 2025.
Key Fixtures:
- Opening Matches (December 30, 2024): Fortune Barishal vs. Durbar Rajshahi at 1:30 PM and Rangpur Riders vs. Dhaka Capitals at 6:30 PM in Dhaka.
- Playoffs and Final: The Eliminator, First Qualifier, and Second Qualifier are scheduled for February 3 and February 5, respectively, with the final showdown set for February 7 at 7 PM in Dhaka.
Reserve Days for Knockouts
To ensure smooth progress, reserve days have been allocated for all knockout matches, including the Eliminator, Qualifiers, and the Final. This approach helps manage any unexpected delays due to weather conditions or other disruptions. Here you can check Top 10 Bangladesh Cricket All-rounders.
Venues and Match Timings
Main Venues:
- Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka – Host of the opening matches, key clashes, playoffs, and final.
- Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram – Hosts mid-tournament matches, drawing fans from Chattogram and nearby regions.
- Sylhet International Cricket Stadium – Known for its scenic beauty and enthusiastic local fans, this venue adds diversity to the tournament’s ambiance.
Match Timings:
The BPL 2025 schedule accommodates both day and night matches:
- Day Matches (Weekdays and Saturdays): Start at 1:30 PM, except on Fridays when matches begin at 2:00 PM.
- Night Matches (Weekdays and Saturdays): Begin at 6:30 PM, with Friday games starting slightly later at 7:00 PM.
Participating Franchises
The BPL 2025 will feature seven franchises, each bringing a mix of seasoned international players and promising local talent:
- Fortune Barishal
- Rangpur Riders
- Khulna Tigers
- Sylhet Strikers
- Dhaka Capitals
- Durbar Rajshahi
- Chittagong Kings
These teams will showcase star players, including Bangladeshi favorites and renowned T20 experts from around the world. With strong lineups and competitive spirit, each franchise aims to secure a top-four position for a chance at the BPL title.
Broadcasting and Live Streaming
Cricket fans across Bangladesh and internationally can follow the action live. T Sports, Gazi TV, T Sports App, and RabbitholeBd App will broadcast the matches. These platforms will offer real-time coverage, replays, and in-depth analysis, making it easy for fans to stay engaged with every ball bowled.
Comprehensive Match Fixtures
Here’s a snapshot of the key dates and fixtures for BPL 2025:
- December 30, 2024: Barishal vs. Rajshahi at 1:30 PM (Dhaka), Rangpur vs. Dhaka at 6:30 PM (Dhaka)
- December 31, 2024: Khulna vs. Chittagong at 1:30 PM (Dhaka), Sylhet vs. Rangpur at 6:30 PM (Dhaka)
- January 2, 2025: Rajshahi vs. Dhaka at 1:30 PM (Dhaka), Barishal vs. Rangpur at 6:30 PM (Dhaka)
- January 16, 2025: Barishal vs. Dhaka at 1:30 PM (Chattogram), Khulna vs. Chittagong at 6:30 PM (Chattogram)
- February 3, 2025: Eliminator at 1:30 PM, First Qualifier at 6:30 PM (Dhaka)
- February 5, 2025: Second Qualifier at 6:30 PM (Dhaka)
- February 7, 2025: Final at 7 PM (Dhaka)
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| BPL 2025: Fixtures |
Team Analysis and Key Players to Watch
Each team’s roster includes a combination of experienced international stars and emerging Bangladeshi talents. Key players expected to shine include:
- Shakib Al Hasan (Dhaka Capitals): A powerful all-rounder who adds value with both bat and ball.
- Chris Gayle (Fortune Barishal): Known for his explosive batting style, Gayle remains a formidable presence in T20 cricket.
- Babar Azam (Rangpur Riders): Pakistan’s T20 captain, Azam’s consistent batting makes him a critical asset for the Riders.
- Nicholas Pooran (Rangpur Riders): An aggressive middle-order batsman known for his big-hitting ability in the shortest format.
Fan Experience and E-Ticketing
The BPL 2025 is adopting a complete e-ticketing system for ease and accessibility, enabling fans to purchase tickets online and access venues hassle-free. This digital approach not only facilitates crowd management but also enhances the overall fan experience at packed stadiums.
Conclusion
The BPL 2025 promises intense cricketing action, with high-stakes matches, stellar players, and packed venues. As each team vies for a place in the playoffs, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and competitive encounters in every game. From the December 30 opening match to the grand finale on February 7, cricket lovers are in for a treat with one of South Asia's premier T20 leagues.