More venues, healthier diet as DPL returns

The Dhaka
Premier League (DPL) is set to begin on May 4 after months of uncertainty, and
during the trophy unveiling at the BCB Academy Ground in Mirpur on Saturday,
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ad hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal described
it as the most important tournament in Bangladesh cricket’s ecosystem.
Tamim
spoke about the challenges his committee faced. “Actually, in our cricket
ecosystem, this is one of the most important tournaments for players in
Bangladesh. It was challenging to host it since cricket had been stagnant for
the last few months,” Tamim said, before thanking the clubs for their support
and belief in bringing the Premier League back.
He also
addressed the hassles of travelling to matches at BKSP and said that the BCB’s
use of venues such as BKSP 2, Cricketers Academy Ground, Bashundhara Sports
City Complex and ULAB Ground would help strengthen facilities.
Tamim also
spoke about the medical protocols in place this time. “If you look at the
history of the last two years, there were four or five incidents, and many lost
their lives. I was lucky to survive,” Tamim recalled, referring to his heart
attack during a DPL match at BKSP in March 2025.
“We will
have ambulances at every ground and while ICU ambulances are difficult to
acquire, I feel at least four or five ICU ambulance services have been
arranged. For example, at the two BKSP grounds, they may be there. We have
rented them to make sure that if anything happens, we will be well prepared,”
Tamim said.
He also
informed that previous ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) rules used in the DPL, which
are still in place in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), will be
reintroduced. “We are implementing these measures and we are very serious about
it. There will be no tolerance in this regard and we will follow protocols as
per international cricket regulations,” Tamim said, referring to players and
officials submitting their phones upon arrival at the ground.
Meanwhile,
Mohammedan’s Taskin Ahmed told The Daily Star that “getting the Premier League
on the ground” was significant for players. “Not just national team players,
the Premier League is important for all players in the cricket community. It
has returned after a period of uncertainty and we are definitely looking
forward to it,” Taskin said.
HIGHLIGHTS
** The
12-team tournament, sponsored by Walton and powered by Bashundhara Cement, will
feature 66 matches, with fixtures for the first three rounds announced and
reserve days in place due to the rainy season.
** Matches
will, for the first time, be spread across six venues -- Pubergaon Shikkha
Protisthan Ground 2, Cricketers Academy (300 Feet), BKSP Grounds 3 and 4,
Bashundhara Sports City Complex and ULAB -- to ease travel demands.
** Medical
support has been strengthened with ambulances at all venues and plans for ICU
units at selected grounds, including BKSP
** BCB
will provide healthier lunch options for all teams, with a fitness-focused menu
replacing traditional heavy meals.
**
Anti-Corruption Unit protocols used in the Bangladesh Premier League will be
reinstated, with players and officials required to submit phones before
matches, leaving access only to team managers.
















