BPL pushed back by a week, now set to begin on December 26

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has pushed back the start of the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 by one week. The tournament will now begin on December 26, instead of the previously announced December 19.

The decision came after the participating franchises requested a delay, citing the need for additional time to complete their logistical preparations.

"The teams want it to start later because they need preparation. Helmets, pads, these things take time. Ordering them and getting the right sizes takes time for everyone," BPL governing council member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu told The Daily Star on Thursday.

Despite the change in tournament dates, the players' auction will be held as scheduled on November 30 at a city hotel in the capital. The auction has already been deferred twice.

Mithu also confirmed that while the opening ceremony is slated for December 24 in Mirpur, the tournament will kick off in Sylhet. The event will conclude on January 23.