DPL shifted early for rain-free World Cup build-up

With the ICC World Cup scheduled to be held in Africa from October 4 to November 21 next year and Bangladesh almost certain to secure a direct berth based on their ranking, preparations for the global showpiece are already underway.

The Tigers will play a tri-series in the UAE next month involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, guaranteeing them at least two matches and potentially three if they reach the final. They will also play three ODIs against South Africa away from home in December.

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Beyond those five or six ODIs, however, Bangladesh currently have no more matches scheduled in the format until March-April 2027, according to the 2023-27 Future Tours Programme (FTP). Bangladesh are also scheduled to host Pakistan for a five-match ODI series (although the series is yet to be confirmed) before the World Cup, but it's not part of the ongoing FTP while the next FTP for 2027-31 is likely to be finalised later this month. 

That makes the upcoming Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) 2026-27 particularly important as an opportunity for the national players to get 50-over cricket under their belts ahead of the World Cup.

The previous edition, held from May 4 to June 12 in a single-leg format, was badly affected by rain, with at least 26 of the 66 matches disrupted.

To avoid a repeat, the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) has decided to bring forward the next edition, with the tournament scheduled to run from February 10 to April 7. There will be a week-long break from March 7 to 14 for Eid-ul-Fitr.

The earlier window was chosen for several reasons. Bangladesh are scheduled to play only a two-Test series against England in late February, meaning DPL teams should have greater access to their top national players for most of the tournament.

The February-April window is also considered more favourable weather-wise, with the likelihood of rain generally much lower than at other times of the year.

“I want the tournament organised in such a way that it leaves a positive impact on the upcoming World Cup,” CCDM chairman Moyeen Uddin Chowdhury told The Daily Star yesterday.

“We don't want to carry matches into the rainy season anymore because the heavy rains last year hampered many matches. It is a huge financial loss, and they [the clubs] suffer a lot,” he added.

The CCDM is also exploring the possibility of allowing foreign players to participate in the next DPL, something that has not happened in the last three seasons.

“We are considering calling the clubs, likely within this month, to speak with them and try to convince them to bring back foreign players. This is because some clubs have funding constraints,” Moyeen said.

“If each of the 12 teams brings one player, along with a 'player by choice' system, we are trying to ensure every team can build a balanced, competitive squad. That is why we are looking into foreign players.”

Meanwhile, the CCDM is exploring better playing surfaces for the DPL as part of efforts to provide players with improved preparation ahead of major international events.

According to a tentative calendar prepared by the CCDM, DPL matches are planned to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, PKSP-2, BKSP grounds 3 and 4, the Cricketers Academy and the Bashundhara City Cricket Complex.

However, Moyeen said venue availability would depend on the Grounds Committee's allocation.

“Venue allocation will be planned after the Grounds Committee provides the venues following our requisition, as Premier League logistics are very sensitive,” he added.