BPL 12 begins today with chaos in tow

The Bangladesh Premier League T20 (BPL) returns for its 12th edition today, promising cricketing excitement but once again shadowed by controversy. From organisational hiccups to franchise turmoil, chaos seems inseparable from the league's narrative, setting the tone even before the first ball is bowled.

As the tournament gets underway at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, with Sylhet Titans facing Rajshahi Warriors in the opener, controversies continue to surface despite repeated assurances of a smoothly run event.

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Full Fixtures of BPL 12

The newly elected Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, took charge just two and a half months ago and faced a range of organisational challenges, such as broadcasting, security and logistical issues among others. While much groundwork was done, several gaps remained.

Six franchises were awarded for the next five seasons, and the players' auction returned for the first time in 12 years. Controversy struck even before the auction, with several players dropped over alleged involvement in fixing during the previous edition.

This season, the board adopted a tougher stance on franchise payments, insisting on participation fees and bank guarantees -- rarely enforced in earlier editions -- to avoid past disputes. Security concerns ahead of national elections on February 12 also raised questions over the tournament's uninterrupted completion.

The latest controversy surfaced on the eve of the tournament. The board took over Chattogram Royals after owners Triangle Services Limited withdrew, citing financial difficulties. Meanwhile, Noakhali Express's coaching staff briefly boycotted a practice session over inadequate training arrangements and equipment.

The Noakhali issue was resolved quickly, with head coach Khaled Mahmud calling it "a misunderstanding in the heat of the moment."

The Chattogram crisis, however, could have been avoided. The franchise failed to submit a Tk 10 crore bank guarantee on time, though it had paid the Tk 2 crore participation fee. On December 9, BCB announced that Chattogram had settled its dues, but operational problems persisted. The team had no foreign players in Bangladesh and changed coaching staff multiple times.

"In the letter, they (Chattogram) said they failed to secure sponsors due to negative media coverage," said BPL governing body member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu.

Following the takeover, BCB appointed former captain Habibul Bashar as team director, with Mizanur Rahman Babul and Nafees Iqbal named head coach and team manager. Uncertainty remains over player payments, coaching continuity and overseas player availability. Mithu expressed hope that two foreign cricketers -- one from Pakistan and one from the UAE -- could arrive before Chattogram's opening match.

Amid the off-field turmoil, players have focused on cricket. Sylhet Titans captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said the team was concentrating "on our team because discussing these matters too much can disrupt the environment."

As BPL 12 unfolds, the league once again stands at the crossroads of promise and uncertainty. Whether it can deliver thrilling cricket while navigating its familiar controversies will determine if this edition is remembered for the action on the field or the chaos that walks alongside it.