KEY POINTS
- 15 Pakistani cricketers signed for BPL; Ihsanullah and Haider Ali picked by Noakhali Express.
- Five teams to feature in BPL, with changes in ownership.
- BPL 2025-26 is scheduled to be held from Dec 26 to Jan 23.
LAHORE, Pakistan: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to nine national cricketers, including rising stars Ihsanullah and Haider Ali, allowing them to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.
The decision follows the completion of the players’ auction held in Dhaka on November 30.
Fifteen Pakistani Cricketers Roped In
A total of 15 Pakistani cricketers have been signed by various franchises for the upcoming season, scheduled to run from December 26 to January 23.
Eleven players were directly signed, while four, Ihsanullah, Haider Ali, Mohammad Akhlaq, and Jahandad Khan, were acquired at the players’ auction.
Auction Highlights
Ihsanullah and Haider Ali were picked by Noakhali Express in Category C for foreign players.
Jahandad Khan also joined the same category, while Mohammad Akhlaq was signed by Rangpur Riders in Category D for USD 10,000.
PCB Approvals
The PCB has officially granted NOCs to nine national cricketers for participation, valid until January 23.
The approved list includes Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Abrar Ahmed, Khawaja Nafay, Salman Irshad, Faheem Ashraf, Sahibzada Farhan, along with Ihsanullah and Haider Ali.
Teams and League Changes
This edition of the Bangladesh Premier League will feature five teams, down from seven last season.
Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders retain their spots, while Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet have undergone ownership changes.
Consequently, Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, and Sylhet Strikers have exited the league, making way for Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Sylhet Titans.
Defending Champions to Sit Out
Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers, last season’s defending champions, will not participate in the 2025-26 season, signalling a new era for the tournament.
With the inclusion of several Pakistani stars, this BPL edition promises exciting competition and heightened anticipation among fans, particularly for the performance of the national cricketers.
