Bangladesh women’s cricket is set to enter a new era with the launch of its first-ever franchise-based T20 tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced the inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL), scheduled to be played from April 3 to April 15, marking a landmark moment in the professional growth of the women’s game in the country.
The WBPL has long been anticipated by players and stakeholders alike, with many viewing it as a crucial platform for skill development, exposure, and competitive growth. For Bangladesh’s women cricketers, the league represents not just a tournament, but the realization of a long-standing aspiration.
Bangladesh women’s team captain Nigar Sultana welcomed the announcement with optimism, describing the league as a vital step toward strengthening the team’s T20 credentials ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to be held in England in June 2025. Nigar said the idea of a women’s franchise league in Bangladesh had been discussed for years.
“We have heard about the WBPL for a long time, so finally seeing it announced is very encouraging. A competitive franchise tournament is something we have always needed,” she said. Nigar highlighted how women’s franchise leagues across the world have played a major role in improving the standard of international teams.
“If you want to compete at the highest level in T20 cricket, you need to learn from countries that have benefited from franchise leagues. Players gain experience by playing in different conditions and alongside different teammates, and that helps their overall development,” she explained.
She also stressed the importance of overseas participation in raising the quality of the competition. “Having international players who regularly feature in franchise cricket will be a massive learning opportunity. Sharing a dressing room with them, understanding their preparation and mindset, will lift the standard of our cricket,” she added, calling the WBPL “ideal preparation” ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
According to the BCB, the inaugural WBPL will feature three franchise teams, combining established national players with promising young talents. Domestic players will be selected through a draft system, designed to maintain balance and depth across squads. Franchises will also be permitted to sign overseas professional cricketers, a move expected to bring global exposure, increase competitiveness, and enhance the league’s overall appeal.
To oversee the tournament, Rubaba Dowla, BCB Director and Chairperson of the BCB Women’s Wing, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the WBPL Governing Council. With the WBPL finally becoming a reality, Bangladesh joins the growing list of nations investing in franchise cricket for women, a step that could significantly reshape the future of the sport in the country.
