DPL trophy unveiled as Tamim highlights challenges and new introductions

The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) is set to begin on May 4 after months of uncertainty, and during the trophy unveiling at the BCB Academy Ground in Mirpur on Saturday, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ad hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal described it as the most important tournament in Bangladesh cricket’s ecosystem.

Tamim spoke about the challenges his committee faced. “Actually, in our cricket ecosystem, this is one of the most important tournaments for players in Bangladesh. It was challenging to host it since cricket had been stagnant for the last few months,” Tamim said, before thanking the clubs for their support and belief in bringing the Premier League back.

He also addressed the hassles of travelling to matches at BKSP and said that the BCB’s use of venues such as BKSP 2, Cricketers Academy Ground, Bashundhara Sports City Complex and ULAB Ground would help strengthen facilities.

Tamim also spoke about the medical protocols in place this time. “If you look at the history of the last two years, there were four or five incidents, and many lost their lives. I was lucky to survive,” Tamim recalled, referring to his heart attack during a DPL match at BKSP in March 2025.

“We will have ambulances at every ground and while ICU ambulances are difficult to acquire, I feel at least four or five ICU ambulance services have been arranged. For example, at the two BKSP grounds, they may be there. We have rented them to make sure that if anything happens, we will be well prepared,” Tamim said.

He also informed that previous ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) rules used in the DPL, which are still in place in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), will be reintroduced. “We are implementing these measures and we are very serious about it. There will be no tolerance in this regard and we will follow protocols as per international cricket regulations,” Tamim said, referring to players and officials submitting their phones upon arrival at the ground.

Meanwhile, Mohammedan’s Taskin Ahmed told The Daily Star that “getting the Premier League on the ground” was significant for players. “Not just national team players, the Premier League is important for all players in the cricket community. It has returned after a period of uncertainty and we are definitely looking forward to it,” Taskin said.