BCB to launch new T20 tournament to 'to strengthen domestic cricket'

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to launch a new T20 tournament titled the Sonar Bangla Pathway T20 Cricket League 2026, the board said in a press release on Monday.

"The initiative aims to strengthen Bangladesh's domestic cricket pathway by creating competitive opportunities for players who are currently outside the franchise-based leagues or traditional club competitions," the release said. 

BCB vice-president Faruque Ahmed has been entrusted with overseeing the tournament. Matches will be staged at two venues -- Bogura and Rajshahi -- with the league scheduled to get underway in the first week of January 2026.

The competition is expected to feature between six and eight teams. Player selection will be conducted by the National Selection Panel, drawing from two specific categories: players listed in the BPL T20 2025–26 auction who went unsold, and players who had signed with teams that did not participate in the Dhaka First Division Cricket League.

The BCB will appoint the respective team managements to ensure uniform professionalism across the competition. The board will also handle all financial matters, including player remuneration.