In a historic move for the sport in South Asia, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially announced on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the launch of the inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL) T20.
Scheduled to run from April 3 to April 15, 2026, this tournament represents the country’s first-ever franchise-based T20 competition for women. It is designed to modernize the professional pathway for local cricketers and provide a platform for emerging talent to compete alongside global stars.
Tournament Structure and Key Details
The inaugural season aims to build a sustainable foundation for women’s franchise cricket with a focused format:
- Three Franchise Teams: The debut edition will feature three teams, blending seasoned national icons with rising domestic players.
- Player Draft System: Local cricketers will be selected via a draft to ensure competitive balance and squad depth across the franchises.
- International Participation: Each team will be permitted to sign overseas professional players, enhancing the level of competition and providing local talent with valuable global exposure.
- Governing Council: BCB Director and Women’s Wing Chairperson Rubaba Dowla has been appointed to lead the WBPL Governing Council.
Preparing for the Global Stage
Bangladesh women’s team captain Nigar Sultana Joty hailed the announcement as a “dream come true.” She emphasized that the league will be the ideal preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in England later this year.
“Most players take part in franchise leagues in different places, and that is how their skill水平 (skill levels) develop… If we can bring in top-class players from world cricket to share the dressing room, the overall quality of our cricket will improve.” — Nigar Sultana Joty
The BCB is expected to announce the franchise names, match schedule, and venues in the coming weeks as excitement builds for this new chapter in the “Tigresses'” journey.
