Dubai: The 13th edition of the Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) will begin on January 3, 2027, with the tournament final scheduled to be played on January 31.
BPL Chairman Jailani Mohtisham said the tournament is proposed to feature 15 matches spread across five Sundays, providing talented cricketers from the Bhatkal community in the UAE an opportunity to compete and showcase their skills. All matches will be played at the JMR Cricket Ground in Sharjah, as in previous years.
He said player registration will open on November 10 and close on November 22, 2026, while the player auction will be held in Dubai on December 6. Further guidelines regarding player eligibility, registration procedures, participating teams and the auction will be issued by the BPL Governing Committee later.
The two finalist teams from the BPL 2026 edition will qualify directly for the BPL 2027. In addition, three teams have been selected by the BPL Governing Council based on their previous participation, commitment to the league and exemplary conduct both on and off the field.
Three more teams will earn their place in the tournament through a draw. Teams interested in participating in the draw will have to submit their forms between October 25 and 30, 2026.
In a press release, Mohtisham said the tournament aims to bring together young people, particularly cricketers, from Bhatkal and surrounding areas residing in different parts of the UAE through cricket, while promoting friendship and sportsmanship and strengthening a sense of unity and community.
BPL Commissioner Afaque Naite said the league remains committed to organising another successful and memorable season. He invited players, families and cricket enthusiasts from Bhatkal and surrounding areas in the UAE to participate in and support the tournament, saying the organisers would make every effort to provide all participants and supporters with a professional, enjoyable and memorable experience.