(Image Source: BPL)
[Saba Sports News] The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) governing council, led by member secretary Ismail Haider Mallick, has decided against incorporating IPL franchises into the league despite facing various challenges.
“They (IPL franchises) don’t want to come or maybe there is no reason to come. They (IPL franchises) approached us many times. The board’s decision was to run the tournament according to our country’s style.”
This decision stems from concerns about losing control over the league’s rights. Although IPL franchises have shown interest in investing in other leagues, the BPL intends to maintain its unique format and operational style.
“We don’t want to do something where the tournament’s rights will not be in our hands and will go to someone else.”
Mallick highlighted the league’s reluctance to involve surrogate betting companies due to financial implications and legal restrictions against gambling in Bangladesh. This stance has resulted in financial losses, but the league prioritizes compliance with national laws and the constitution. Shakib al Hasan’s withdrawal from a deal with Betwinner, following the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) ultimatum, underscores this commitment.
“There was a question about surrogate betting companies and for these reasons we don’t take the risk. If outside sponsor is not a corporate entity then going to an agency our experience is not that good. Last year we could have earned 10 Crores more from media rights but we didn’t because we shut down betting sites,” shared Mallick. “The whole world is going through an economic stagnation. Apart from IPL and India’s cricket board, I also used Big Bash as example. Shujon bhai goes to ICC and talks to every board’s CEO. We know how much everyone earns and what is being told to the media. It’s a difficult thing to do a T20 tournament [in this climate]. Not only T20 tournament, most of the national teams allow surrogates. Apart from one or two most are accepting it, even India,” he added.
Despite economic challenges faced by cricket leagues globally, the BPL is hesitant to adopt models like those in the IPL or Big Bash League. Mallick acknowledged the potential future need to reconsider their stance on betting companies due to financial pressures. He also addressed franchise concerns about revenue sharing, stating that a significant increase in franchise fees would be required for such a model to be viable.
The BPL’s past experiences with revenue sharing were marred by payment issues and irregularities, leading to their current cautious approach. Mallick emphasized the importance of financial sustainability and adherence to the economic context in which the BPL operates.