BCB approves six-team domestic cricket structure, raises match fees

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has approved a major restructuring of domestic cricket, paving the way for a six-team competition covering three formats while substantially increasing match fees for domestic players.

The decision was taken at the fourth virtual meeting of the BCB Board of Directors on Sunday, with the board agreeing in principle to introduce a single competition framework for four-day, List A one-day and List A T20 cricket.

Under the proposed model, ownership rights of the six teams will be offered to established corporate and financial institutions in Bangladesh for an initial three-year period. The T20 competition is expected to be the first event under the new structure, with December 2026 set as the tentative window.

The move is part of a broader attempt to reshape Bangladesh's domestic cricket structure and create a more sustainable platform for players beyond the national team and the Bangladesh Premier League.

The board also approved a significant revision to domestic match fees. Men's four-day players will now receive Tk 150,000 per match, while the fees for one-day and T20 cricket have been fixed at Tk 100,000 and Tk 80,000 respectively. Players in the NCL Second XI will receive Tk 15,000 per match.

Women's domestic players will also benefit from the revision, with match fees set at Tk 40,000 for three-day cricket, Tk 30,000 for one-day cricket and Tk 20,000 for T20s.

The board further doubled the daily allowance for the Bangladesh Under-19 team from Tk 10,000 to Tk 20,000.

Alongside the financial changes, the BCB approved several infrastructure projects. An international-standard, IAAF-approved three-lane running track will be installed at the National Cricket Academy ground in Mirpur to support players' fitness and training.

Two new dressing rooms will also be built at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, while alternative dressing rooms, the players' entry area and common lobby will be upgraded.

The board also approved the appointment of a consultant for the proposed renovation and development of Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura.

Taken together, the decisions mark one of the BCB's broader attempts in recent years to strengthen the financial, competitive and physical infrastructure of domestic cricket.