First it was South Africa. Then it was the United Arab Emirates. Now Bangladesh has reminded the cricketing world their own domestic T20 tournament - the Bangladesh Premier League - will be played through the month of January.
The Big Bash League's once exclusive slot through the Christmas, New Year and January window has now become the most crowded on the cricket calendar thanks to the South African and United Arab Emirates tournaments beginning this year.
Both competitions have already added a number of international stars to their respective tournament playing lists, and while the Bangladeshi competition will be starting as the backmarker given the BBL has also already added plenty of players nominating for the inaugural draft, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said he was hoping a renewed policy of three-year licences for owners would bring more certainty for both teams and players.
"We will try to finalise everything soon, so that the owners can start their preparation," Chowdhury told CricInfo.
"They will be in a better position since it is for three years. Franchise owners usually want everything to be organised, so this time it will be quite good since we are giving the teams a longer period."
Chowdhury admitted that all the competitions happening at the same time would take a hit this coming season, with no objection certificates from home boards to block local domestic players from plying their trade in other competitions.
He was confident though that the BPL would land international talent.
"We have to keep in mind that the member countries are looking for a window to hold domestic T20 leagues. There's going to be conflict (in scheduling) if other members' windows fall at the same time. Everyone is going to suffer, not just us," Chowdhury said.
"Two or three of our most important players will be playing in our domestic league. I don't want to mention any names but those who usually play overseas will be missed in those leagues. But we are expecting foreign players to play in our league.
"There's the matter of the NOC [no-objection certificate]. There is also an understanding among member countries. Everyone abides by this rule. I don't personally think anyone will play anything other than their own competition."
