The 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to begin on December 19, featuring six franchises. BPL governing council secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu confirmed the date at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday, November 26.

Mithu explained that the decision to expand the tournament from five teams to six was made to accommodate more local players. He also noted that scheduling had become difficult with only five teams, as organising two matches per day was increasingly challenging. Noakhali Express has been added as the new franchise for this season.

They will join the existing teams, Dhaka Capitals, Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Titans.

"One new thing is that we are planning to start the tournament in Sylhet. The final is likely to be held on January 16. We are also planning to arrange a short opening ceremony on December 17 in Dhaka," said Mithu in the press conference as quoted by The Daily Star.

The players' auction is set to return to the BPL after a 12-year hiatus, with the BPL Governing Council confirming November 30 as the new auction date.

The first two editions of the BPL, held in 2012 and 2013, featured an auction system. However, the following nine editions adopted a players' draft format.

Under the auction system, both local and overseas players will be classified into different categories with structured base prices and bidding increments. Local players will be divided into six categories, while overseas players will fall under five categories.

For local cricketers, those in the top ‘A’ category will have a base price of BDT 50 lakh, with bidding increments set at BDT 5 lakh. For foreign players, the highest category will start at USD 35,000, with increments of USD 5,000.

Each franchise will be allowed to sign up to two Bangladeshi players from the A and B categories and one or two overseas players directly before the auction, subject to approval from the BPL Governing Council. The auction itself will be conducted in two phases: first local players, followed by overseas players. Every franchise must purchase at least 11 local players from the auction, with a maximum of 15 local players in the squad.

Directly signed players will not count toward this auction requirement.