BCB brings three domestic formats under one banner

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has introduced a new six-team competition combining three formats of domestic cricket, seeking to restore interest in the country's domestic game and give participating teams a greater stake in the tournament.

The new Domestic Three (D3) Trophy will feature 42 matches across four-day, one-day and T20 cricket. The competition will replace the National Cricket League T20 and the Bangladesh Cricket League's four-day and one-day tournaments, while the National Cricket League's main first-class competition and the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League will continue separately.

BCB president Tamim Iqbal announced the initiative at a launch ceremony in Dhaka on Sunday, saying the board wanted to bring renewed excitement to domestic cricket.

Six corporate entities have been awarded teams for three seasons: ACE Blue Star, Acme, Citizens Bank, Seven Rings Cement, Fortune and Walton.

The tournament will begin with the T20 competition on December 15, with matches scheduled in Barishal and Dhaka. The four-day competition is planned for January, while the one-day tournament will take place in May next year.

A total of 19 T20 matches, 16 one-day games and seven four-day matches will be played. The players' draft is scheduled for October 26, with each team set to select 23 players. The management draft is due on September 29.

The board has also announced that 50 per cent of revenue from sponsorships and ticket sales will be shared with the teams.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque attended the ceremony as chief guest and formally inaugurated the competition.

The BCB hopes the new structure will create greater interest in domestic cricket while providing players with opportunities across all three formats.