Tamim pushes franchise model to reshape Bangladesh's domestic cricket

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal is pushing for a major overhaul of the country's domestic cricket structure, with plans to transform key competitions into franchise-based leagues modelled on the Bangladesh Premier League.

Tamim raised the proposal during a recent meeting with officials of Walton, seeking the company's support as the BCB explores a new commercial framework for domestic cricket.

The plan goes beyond the traditional franchise-based T20 model. According to the proposal, both the Bangladesh Cricket League and National Cricket League could be restructured to accommodate franchise teams across longer-format, one-day and T20 cricket.

The idea is to bring greater commercial value to domestic competitions while creating a more competitive environment for players outside the national team.

For the BCB, the challenge is to build a system that can generate sustainable investment without compromising the sporting purpose of domestic cricket.

A franchise structure could give teams stronger financial identities, attract corporate partners and create a clearer pathway for players looking to move into international cricket. It could also provide domestic competitions with a more recognisable identity for supporters and broadcasters.

The proposal comes as the BCB reassesses the way domestic cricket is organised and financed. The board has already indicated that significant changes are being considered to the domestic calendar and the franchise system.

Tamim has also said the BCB is working on a new formula for the BPL after deciding not to hold the tournament in its previous form this year. The board wants to address financial and regulatory weaknesses before returning to the competition.

That wider restructuring now appears to be influencing the thinking around the rest of domestic cricket.

For Bangladesh, the bigger objective is not simply to create more franchise teams. It is to make domestic cricket commercially stronger while producing players who are better prepared for international competition.

If implemented successfully, the proposed model could change how Bangladesh's first-class and limited-overs cricket is funded, marketed and followed.

Tamim's message is clear: Bangladesh's domestic cricket needs a new structure-and the BCB wants the franchise model to be at the heart of that transformation.