Introduction
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) continues to face challenges, and the governing council, despite manifold obstacles, has taken a strategic stand to maintain the tournament’s integrity and control over its rights. In a recent statement, Ismail Haider Mallick, BPL governing council member secretary, highlighted the board’s decision to resist the inclusion of IPL franchises, emphasizing the importance of running the tournament according to the country’s style.
Upholding Tournament Rights
According to Mallick, IPL franchises have expressed interest in joining the BPL, but the governing council is cautious about potential repercussions. The fear of losing control over the tournament’s rights has prompted the board to prioritize preserving its autonomy. The commitment to running the tournament in line with the country’s values and principles remains a key focus for the BPL.
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Challenges with Surrogate Betting Companies
The BPL faces financial challenges, and one avenue explored to mitigate losses involves partnering with surrogate betting companies. However, the existing laws in Bangladesh, which strictly prohibit establishments facilitating gambling, present a hurdle. Mallick mentioned that, while they are losing money by not welcoming surrogate betting companies, they are mindful of the legal and constitutional constraints.
Shakib al Hasan's Dilemma
The legal restrictions on gambling businesses have also affected individual players, as seen in the case of Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan. He had to withdraw from a deal with Betwinner after the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) ultimatum. The board’s stance reflects its commitment to upholding legal and ethical standards within the cricketing community.
Revenue Sharing and Franchise Fees
In response to recent threats from Comilla Victorians owner Nafisa Kamal regarding revenue sharing, Mallick addressed the possibility of adopting such a model. He explained that revenue sharing could be considered if franchise fees increase significantly, ideally ten times higher than the current fee of BDT 1.5 Crores. The governing council aims to learn from past challenges, ensuring that revenue-sharing arrangements are effective and transparent.
Sustainable Tournament Management
Reflecting on the experiences of the initial BPL years, Mallick acknowledged issues related to player payments and irregularities. The decision to move away from revenue sharing initially was driven by the need for sustainable tournament management. Mallick emphasized the importance of considering the financial and economic conditions of the country to ensure the long-term viability of the BPL.
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