State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said on Sunday that he was unaware that the upcoming season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) had been paused, admitting he only learnt of the decision from journalists.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Riya Gope Women’s Sports Complex in Dhanmondi, Aminul was caught off guard when questioned about the tournament's suspension.
"I just heard from you that the BPL won't be held," he said, responding candidly to the query.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to pause the franchise-based league for one season, aiming to use the break to design a new model for the competition going forward.
The move follows several years of persistent criticism surrounding the BPL, ranging from concerns over governance and franchise ownership to questions about the tournament's overall standard and organisation.
As part of the process, BCB president Tamim Iqbal held a meeting with representatives of Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Warriorz and Dhaka Capitals on August 29 to discuss the league's future direction.
The BCB has also been in separate discussions with the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) regarding the decision and its implications for players.
Cricketers, for their part, have accepted the board's call to suspend the tournament for the upcoming season, according to board officials familiar with the discussions.
In what appears to be a related development, match fees for domestic tournaments have since been increased following discussions with the players' body.
Once informed of the situation, Aminul offered his views on the importance of the BPL, stressing that tournaments of this scale should ideally be held consistently.
"BPL is a popular tournament. You are saying the board president has presented some logical reasons in front of you.
"It seems to me this type of tournament should be held every year. So there is a need to discuss why this hasn't happened this time."
He further said that the ministry would keep a close watch on such developments going forward.
"We will certainly keep an eye on ensuring these kinds of tournaments continue happening consistently in the future."