Tamim Iqbal and Bangladesh team [Source: AFP]The Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL), one of Bangladesh’s top domestic cricket tournaments, is set to begin its 2025-26 season on May 4.It is important to note that this season, there is a major change in the format. Instead of having multiple stages, the tournament will follow a single round-robin format. This means that each team will play against every other team once. As a result, the Super League stage, which usually takes place at the end, has been removed. This decision was made mainly due to time limitations.Bangladesh’s top domestic cricket tournament date revealedThe league is expected to run from May 4 to June 11, with matches taking place across six different venues in and around Dhaka. Although the full schedule has not yet been released, it will be announced soon.In total, 69 matches are scheduled for the season. Out of these, 66 matches will be part of the main league phase, while the remaining three will be played in the relegation round.DPL player transfersEarlier in April, a two-day transfer window was held, during which 135 players were signed by 12 clubs. This transfer period was especially important because there had been uncertainty about whether the league would take place at all.Some clubs had even threatened to boycott the tournament, questioning the leadership of the cricket board. However, the situation improved after an ad hoc committee was formed under Tamim Iqbal. Consequently, the league was able to move forward as planned.Among all the teams, Legends of Rupganj attracted the most attention. This is because two national players, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will play together for the club for the first time.Rupganj, which has never won the DPL title, has built a strong squad this year. In addition to Litton and Miraz, the team has included players like Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Irfan Shukkur, Habibur Rahman Sohan, and Shoriful Islam. Moreover, they have signed backup players to cover for those who may be unavailable due to international matches.Also Read: Bangladesh Reject Mustafizur Rahman's PSL 2026 ReturnBangladesh Cricket Board plans warm-up and safety measuresBefore the DPL begins, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) plans to organize the first two rounds of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL). This tournament will act as preparation for the national team’s upcoming Test series against Pakistan. After these rounds, the BCL will pause so that the DPL can continue smoothly. To support the teams, the BCB will provide financial assistance of Tk 25 lakh to each club for operational expenses. Additionally, necessary cricket equipment will be supplied based on each team’s needsThere have also been discussions about adding reserve days to handle rain delays, although no final decision has been made yet. Importantly, for player safety, ICU-equipped ambulances will be available at all venues. This step has been made mandatory following a health scare involving Tamim Iqbal during a previous season.12 teams to compete in DPLA total of 12 clubs will compete in this season. These include well-known teams such as Abahani Limited, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Gazi Group Cricketers, Legends of Rupganj, Gulshan Cricket Club, Agrani Bank Cricket Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club, Bashundhara Strikers, Rupganj Tigers, Brothers Union, City Club, and Dhaka Leopards.Also Read: National Stadium, Karachi Pitch Report, Weather Report For Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United PSL 2026, Qualifier
