A-plus BPL players can choose their team

Player distribution of upcoming BPL is going on. All players of category A-plus in the BPL including the local talent have been given the right to choose the franchises they will play for in the upcoming season. The decision was announced by the league's secretary Ismail Haider Mallick ending speculation among many cricketers wondering about whom they would play for in 2017.

The seven teams have been asked to submit the players they want to retain by the next week with the BPL governing council building towards the draft on Sep-16.

"We have asked the franchises for their list of retained players," Mallick said. "They can retain any four of their players, which could include their A-plus category player from last season. But it has to be done with consultation with those players, who have a choice of whether to leave or stay in the franchise. July 24 is not a deadline, but we expect the franchises to give us their retention list."

Khulna Titans have already announced Mahmudullah, their captain and A-plus category player from last season, as one of their retained players this season. The 2017 season may also see the introduction of an eighth franchise. Early indications are that the team will be based in Sylhet.

The BPL governing council will also have to decide whether to allow five foreign players in a playing XI or let it remain at four. In 2012 and 2013 - the first two editions of the tournament - franchises could field five overseas players, but the rule was changed for the 2015 and 2016 editions. It is learnt the call came from one of the franchises, and the matter will be up for discussion soon.