The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is once again drawing attention as it prepares to stage the inaugural edition of the Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL). In a notable development, the board is open to the participation of Indian cricketers, just weeks after tensions with the BCCI surrounding the Mustafizur Rahman-KKR matter and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup episode.
With Indian stars such as Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues regularly appearing in franchise leagues across the globe, the BCB Women’s Wing has indicated there would be no barriers to their involvement in the new competition. The tournament is slated for the summer window ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June.
BCB Opens Doors for Overseas Stars in WBPL
The three-team WBPL is scheduled to run from April 4 to April 14, marking another attempt to launch the women’s competition after earlier efforts did not materialize. The BCB has already overseen 12 editions of the men’s Bangladesh Premier League, where Indian male cricketers are not permitted to participate.
In contrast, leading Indian women’s players — including WPL winners and finalists such as Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur — are not bound by the same exclusivity as their male counterparts. Seeking to boost the profile of the league, BCB Women’s Wing chair Rubada Dowla confirmed the board’s inclusive approach.
“Several international players have already shown interest. The teams will then contact the players and finalise recruitment. There are some well-known star players who have expressed interest. We are open to all — there is no country-specific restriction. Whoever shows interest, and whichever teams want to bring such players, they can do so,” said Rubada Dowla.
“All arrangements for the Women’s BPL are currently underway. We are holding regular meetings. The Governing Council and the working committee are planning together how to execute the tournament in the best possible way,” she added.
Will BCCI Clear Indian Players for Bangladesh?
In the lead-up to the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Indian women have previously been granted permission to compete in overseas tournaments to broaden their exposure and adapt to varied playing conditions.
Prominent names including Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur have featured in competitions such as the WBBL and The Hundred Women’s Tournament, while some have also taken part in the WCPL.
However, given the current geopolitical sensitivities and the existence of a well-established domestic league in India, it remains uncertain whether the BCCI will approve participation in the WBPL. Notably, India Women do not have any international fixtures scheduled between April 4 and April 14, which adds another dimension to the discussion.
Their next assignment following that window begins on April 17 against South Africa, where they will contest five T20Is in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
WBPL as a Step Toward Smoother Relations?
Bangladesh’s decision not to tour India for the Men’s T20 World Cup has sparked debate within the cricketing community. Sections of fans, media, and even some Bangladesh players have expressed dissatisfaction with the board’s stance, particularly considering the financial and professional opportunities linked with the IPL and the BCCI.
As one of the most influential bodies in global cricket, the BCCI’s relationship with the BCB carries significant weight. The move to welcome Indian women’s players for the WBPL could be viewed as an effort to stabilize ties. The BCB has also announced a proposed India tour of Bangladesh in 2026, and the successful staging of the WBPL may contribute positively to that objective.
For now, while Rubada Dowla has publicly extended an invitation, none of Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur or Jemimah Rodrigues has commented on the possibility. Their immediate focus remains on the ongoing all-format tour of Australia.
