First Division League to start on December 11

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul announced on Saturday that the upcoming Dhaka First Division Cricket League is scheduled to begin on December 11, featuring 12 teams instead of 20.

"We've decided to start the league on December 11. Those players who have already collected tokens will be able to complete fresh transfers on December 5 and 6," Bulbul told reporters at The Westin Dhaka following a meeting with representatives from several Dhaka clubs, the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), and players from various leagues.

The BCB hosted the tea party inviting all 76 Dhaka clubs in hope of resolving the ongoing crisis surrounding the timely commencement of the leagues. However, only 31 clubs attended, while the remaining 45 -- who have been voicing concerns over the legitimacy of the current cricket board, alleged irregularities in the recent board elections, and other grievances -- did not participate.

BCB boss Aminul Islam in the tea party organised by BCB, CCDM, and CWAB at The Westin in Dhaka on November 29, 2025. Photo: BCB

Despite postponing the league's start date twice, the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) failed to convince the boycotting clubs to join.

BCB vice-president Faruque Ahmed said they would continue efforts to bring the dissenting clubs back into the competition and hinted at the possibility of organising an alternative tournament if needed.

"We'll arrange something so they get opportunities to play and benefit financially -- such a decision has been made," he said.

Meanwhile, CWAB president Mohammad Mithun assured that steps are being taken to ensure players are not left without opportunities.

"If the clubs don't participate, the BCB has given us assurance that these players will not be deprived in any way," he said.