Can BPL do better than its present form? ©BCB Is the BPL Lagging Behind the PSL Despite Being Launched Earlier? Pakistani cricketers believe that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reaped the benefits of long-term planning, which has contributed to its greater success compared to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). While the BPL began in 2012, the PSL was established in 2015 to showcase Pakistan’s cricket talent on the global stage. Initially, the PSL began with just five teams representing five cities-Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. It expanded its footprint in 2017-18 when Multan joined the league, increasing its appeal. Over the years, PSL franchises have successfully attracted more international players and fans. The sense of rivalry between teams has built excitement, and each franchise has developed a distinct identity, supported by passionate fan bases. This is largely because of the long-term planning and stability put in place by the league. In contrast, many franchises participating in the ongoing BPL face challenges due to frequent changes in ownership, making it harder for teams to build lasting fan bases and team identities. Among the teams in the current BPL, Rangpur Riders are one of the few that can claim a loyal fan base. Having participated in nine editions of the tournament, they have managed to carve out a niche for themselves. Owned by the Bashundhara Group, a prominent conglomerate based in Bangladesh, Rangpur Riders joined the BPL in 2013, ahead of the league’s second edition. However, the situation is quite different for several other franchises in the BPL, as ownership changes occur frequently, hindering long-term development. “If you look at the PSL, this will be its 10th edition, and each team has been owned by the same person for all 10 years. This continuity is why they have a larger fan base and attract more sponsors,” said seasoned Pakistan cricketer Iftekhar Ahmed in an interview with Cricbuzz. “If you look at teams like Peshawar Zalmi or Multan Sultans, they’ve been under the same ownership for years. They know how to run their franchises,” he added. Iftekhar also emphasized the role of PSL’s eight-player retention policy in strengthening teams over time. Retaining key players year after year creates a bond between the players and the team, which pays dividends in the long run. “By retaining eight players every year, the team develops a sense of identity. Players become committed to the franchise, and that makes a huge difference,” explained Iftekhar, who is currently playing for Rangpur Riders in the ongoing BPL. Pakistan’s dynamic opening batsman and wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris, who is representing Durbar Rajshahi in the BPL, echoed similar thoughts. “I think the quality of cricket in the PSL is excellent because of their long-term planning,” Haris said. “The core combination of players is the biggest strength of a franchise. With the retention policy, the team evolves as a family because they have most of their top players available year after year.” Haris noted that the BPL often brings in foreign players for short stints, rather than building a more consistent squad. This lack of continuity can impact a team’s performance, which in turn affects the overall standard of the tournament. “I think franchises should focus on picking players who are available for the entire season,” he added. “For example, when I played for Peshawar Zalmi, we prioritized getting players who would be available for most or all of the season, rather than chasing big names.” Another factor affecting the BPL is the nature of the playing surfaces in Bangladesh. The slower, lower wickets can be a challenge for T20 cricket, where fans expect fast-paced action with plenty of boundaries. In contrast, the pitches in Pakistan, particularly in cities like Karachi and Rawalpindi, are more favorable for batting, leading to high-scoring, entertaining matches in the PSL. “I’ve played regularly in the BPL, and while this year’s wickets are better than previous editions, the Dhaka pitch was particularly difficult,” Haris explained. Iftekhar also noted the differences in the playing conditions between the two countries. “In Pakistan, especially in places like Pindi and Karachi, the weather is dry, and there’s no moisture in the wickets, making them ideal for batting,” he said. “This is why the ball comes onto the bat better, which isn’t always the case in Bangladesh. Otherwise, the overall conditions are quite similar.” ShareTweet
