The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken a major step toward the growth of women’s cricket by announcing the launch of the Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL). The inaugural season of the franchise-based T20 tournament will be played in April 2026, marking the first professional women’s league of its kind in the country.
This new competition is expected to provide a strong platform for national stars and young domestic players, while also increasing investment and visibility for women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
WBPL 2026: Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL) |
| Format | T20 |
| Dates | April 3 – April 15, 2026 |
| Duration | 13 days |
| Teams | 3 franchises (inaugural season) |
| Player Selection | Draft for local players |
| Overseas Players | Direct franchise signings allowed |
| Matches | Double round-robin + Playoffs + Final |
| Fixtures & Venue | To be announced soon |
BCB has decided to begin the league on a smaller scale with three teams to build a strong foundation before expanding in future seasons.
Opportunity for Local and International Players
The league will feature a mix of Bangladesh national players and emerging domestic talents. Top names such as Nigar Sultana Joty, Fargana Hoque, and Murshida Khatun are expected to be key attractions.
Franchises will also be allowed to sign overseas players, which will add global experience and increase the league’s competitiveness and international appeal.
The player draft system will ensure fair distribution of local talent across teams.
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Format Explained
In the inaugural edition:
- Each team will play the other teams twice
- Total 6 league matches
- Followed by playoffs and a final
The short window is designed to maintain intensity and keep the tournament compact and high-quality.
Why WBPL Matters for Bangladesh Women’s Cricket
Bangladesh women’s cricket has shown steady progress in recent years, including strong performances in Asia and improved rankings in T20Is. However, the absence of a domestic franchise league had limited player development.
The WBPL is expected to bring several long-term benefits:
- More match exposure for domestic players
- Professional franchise environment
- Better talent identification and development
- Increased sponsorship and commercial interest
- Preparation for upcoming ICC events, including the Women’s T20 World Cup
Team captain Nigar Sultana Joty welcomed the decision and called the league a major step forward for the future of women’s cricket in the country.
BCB’s Long-Term Vision
BCB officials have indicated that the league will be expanded gradually in the coming years. The goal is to build a sustainable structure similar to successful tournaments like the WPL and WBBL.
The board believes starting with a controlled format will help ensure quality organization, strong competition, and long-term growth.
With international players, national stars, and rising talents all set to compete, the WBPL could become a key milestone for women’s cricket in South Asia. Details regarding venues, broadcast partners, and full fixtures will be announced soon.
The launch of the Women’s Bangladesh Premier League signals the beginning of a new chapter—one that could transform the future of women’s cricket in Bangladesh and inspire the next generation of players.
