The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced the launch of the Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL), marking a landmark moment in the country’s sporting history. The inaugural edition of the franchise-based T20 tournament will take place from April 3 to April 15, ushering in a new era for women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
The introduction of the WBPL is also expected to inspire young girls across Bangladesh to pursue cricket professionally. With increased media coverage, sponsorship opportunities, and structured competition, the league could create a sustainable pathway from grassroots to international cricket, strengthening the country’s long-term talent pipeline in women’s T20 cricket.
For years, players and fans alike have hoped for a professional franchise platform dedicated to women cricketers. With this announcement, that long-standing vision has finally turned into reality. The WBPL is expected to significantly elevate the standard of women’s cricket in the country while offering valuable competitive exposure ahead of major international events.
Bangladesh women’s team captain Nigar Sultana expressed her excitement about the development, calling it a “much-awaited and positive step” for the growth of the game. According to her, competitive franchise tournaments have played a key role in strengthening women’s cricket globally, and Bangladesh now has the opportunity to follow the same path.
She emphasized that countries with established women’s franchise leagues have seen noticeable improvements in player performance, skill development, and overall team competitiveness. The WBPL will allow Bangladeshi cricketers to gain similar experience, particularly in the fast-paced T20 format, which dominates modern cricket.
The timing of the tournament is especially significant. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in England in June 2025, the WBPL offers an ideal platform for preparation.
A high-intensity franchise tournament will help players adapt to pressure situations, refine match strategies, and enhance their tactical awareness. Playing alongside experienced international cricketers will also expose local players to different playing styles, mental approaches, and professional standards.
Nigar Sultana highlighted that sharing dressing rooms with top overseas professionals can accelerate learning and raise the overall quality of cricket in Bangladesh. The interaction between local talents and globally recognized players is expected to strengthen team depth and individual confidence ahead of the global tournament.She emphasized that countries with established women’s franchise leagues have seen noticeable improvements in player performance, skill development, and overall team competitiveness. The WBPL will allow Bangladeshi cricketers to gain similar experience, particularly in the fast-paced T20 format, which dominates modern cricket.
The inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League will feature three franchise teams. The squads will include established national players along with promising emerging talents from across the country.To ensure competitive balance, the BCB will organize a player draft system. This approach aims to distribute talent evenly across franchises, maintaining fairness and enhancing the tournament’s competitiveness.Additionally, franchises will have the opportunity to sign overseas players. The inclusion of international professionals will not only boost the tournament’s standard but also increase global visibility and commercial appeal.
Rubaba Dowla, BCB Director and Chairperson of the BCB Women’s Wing, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the WBPL Governing Council. Her leadership is expected to provide strategic direction and organizational strength as the tournament embarks on its first season.The governing council will oversee tournament operations, franchise coordination, and overall development plans to ensure a successful and sustainable future for the league.
The launch of the WBPL represents more than just a new cricket tournament—it symbolizes progress, opportunity, and professional recognition for women athletes in Bangladesh.With structured competition, international participation, and growing fan engagement, the Women’s Bangladesh Premier League has the potential to become a transformative force in South Asian women’s cricket. As anticipation builds for April 3, players and supporters alike are looking forward to witnessing history in the making.