The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled a new domestic initiative with the launch of the BCB Women’s Cup T20, a tournament aimed at revitalizing competitive opportunities for women cricketers in the country. With the domestic calendar facing disruptions in recent months, the competition is being viewed as a timely intervention to maintain continuity and provide a structured platform for first-division players.
Scheduled to run from May 7 to May 14 at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the tournament will feature eight teams—Red, Green, Pink, Yellow, Purple, Blue, Brown and Orange, each composed of 14 players. In total, 112 cricketers will take part, offering a broad pool of domestic talent the chance to compete in a high intensity, short-format environment.
The squads were assembled through a players’ draft held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, with the BCB confirming via its official social media channels that the draft took place on April 3, generating anticipation ahead of the tournament.
The draft system, which included a pool of around 150 players ensured a balanced distribution of talent across all eight sides. This approach reflects a growing effort by the board to professionalize the domestic structure and create evenly matched teams, enhancing the overall competitiveness of the tournament.
The Women’s Cup has been designed to provide players with a structured and competitive environment, particularly in a year when regular domestic competitions have faced setbacks. Notably, the Dhaka Women’s First Division Cricket League could not be held this season due to protests from clubs regarding the legitimacy of the current board. As a result, the Women’s Cup assumes even greater importance as a substitute platform for match exposure.
Financial support has also been built into the tournament framework. All participating players will receive a match fee of Tk 25,000 for the entire competition, along with a daily allowance during the event. In addition, the BCB will arrange accommodation for both players and coaching staff, ensuring a professional setup throughout the tournament period. Prize money will further incentivize performances, with awards set to be distributed across multiple categories, including the champion team, player of the match and other individual accolades.
The introduction of the Women’s Cup also comes amid shifting timelines in Bangladesh’s broader women’s cricket landscape. The inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL), which had initially been planned for April with three franchises, has now been postponed to July. In that context, the BCB Women’s Cup serves as an important bridge, keeping players engaged and in competitive rhythm ahead of future tournaments.
Beyond immediate competition, the tournament is expected to play a key role in talent identification. With national selectors likely to monitor performances closely, it offers emerging cricketers a valuable opportunity to push for higher honours. The condensed schedule, culminating in the final on May 14, will demand consistency and adaptability from all teams. Overall, the BCB Women’s Cup represents a proactive move by the board to address gaps in the domestic calendar while laying the groundwork for a more robust women’s cricket structure.
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