Dubai: The cricketing fever is set to hit Dubai as the Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) announces its 11th edition, scheduled to commence on January 5, 2025, and conclude on February 2, 2025. Under the leadership of BPL Commissioner Mr. Taha Muallim, fans can expect another thrilling season of high-energy cricket.

Eight teams will compete at the JMR Cricket Ground on Dhaid Road, Sharjah, as revealed by Commissioner Taha Muallim during a briefing with SahilOnline via WhatsApp. Special thanks were extended to JAN & BROS, the main sponsor, for their unwavering support, continuing the partnership that began last year.

The 11th edition of the BPL will feature 15 exhilarating matches, spread across five Sundays, starting January 5, 2025.

Key Dates and Registration Details:

Team Registration: The registration window for teams opens from November 1 to November 10, 2024. The four semifinalist teams from the previous edition will have the option to retain their spots, while the remaining slots will be available for new entries, pending approval by the BPL committee.

Player Registration: Aspiring players holding UAE resident visas can register online from November 10 to November 15, 2024, at www.bpluae.net 

Player Auction: The much-anticipated player auction will take place on December 8, 2024, in Dubai, where participating teams will bid for registered players.

Tournament Format and Schedule:

The tournament will feature action-packed doubleheaders, with matches scheduled at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM during the league phase. The two semifinals will be held in the fourth week, followed by the grand finale in the fifth week.

Teams will be divided into two groups of four, with each team playing three matches in the group stage. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

Player Eligibility:

• Icon players must hold UAE resident visas.
• Guest players may participate with either visit or resident visas.

New Office Bearers Elected for BPL

In order to organize the tournament more effectively, new office bearers for the BPL have been elected during the recent BPL governing council meeting. The details are as follows:

• Chairman: Yasir Kasimji
• Vice Chairman: Zia Jukaku
• Commissioner: Taha Muallim
• Additional Commissioner: Imran Khateeb
• Treasurer: Abdul Sattar Lanka
• Accountant: Afaque Naitey

The BPL committee consists of 23 members, including Shariar Khateeb, Jailani Mohtisham, Abdul Mateen DF, Abdul Basith Subedar, Nashit Barmawar, Sufiyan SM, and Aqeel Siddibapa. The election procedure was conducted by Jailani Mohtisham.

Cricket enthusiasts are in for an exciting season as the Bhatkal Premier League returns for its 11th edition, bringing fierce competition, electrifying encounters, and top-notch cricket to Dubai.