BPL Teams 2027: Complete Guide to All 6 Franchises, Owners & Captains
BPL teams change names more often than most fans change phones, which is why so many people are confused about who is actually playing this season. Six franchises are expected in the 2026-27 Bangladesh Premier League, and each one has its own history, owners, captain and style of cricket.
This guide covers all six BPL teams for Season 13: who owns them, who led them last season, how they finished in 2026, what their franchise used to be called, and what to expect from each side when the tournament starts in January 2027.
BPL Teams 2026-27: Quick List
The table below shows the six BPL teams expected for the 13th edition, based on the franchise line-up confirmed for BPL 2026. The BCB granted franchise ownership rights for five years ahead of the last season, so the same six names are the most likely line-up.
| Team | City | 2026 Captain | 2026 Finish | BPL Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajshahi Warriors | Rajshahi | Najmul Hossain Shanto | Champions | 2 |
| Chattogram Royals | Chattogram | Mahedi Hasan | Runners-up | 0 |
| Sylhet Titans | Sylhet | Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 3rd | 0 |
| Rangpur Riders | Rangpur | Nurul Hasan Sohan | 4th | 1 |
| Dhaka Capitals | Dhaka | Mohammad Mithun | 5th | 3* |
| Noakhali Express | Noakhali | Shykat Ali / Haider Ali | 6th | 0 |
*The Dhaka franchise won three titles under earlier names (Dhaka Gladiators twice and Dhaka Dynamites once).
How Many Teams Are in the BPL?
There are six BPL teams in the current format. The league has had anywhere between six and seven franchises in most seasons since it began in 2012.
BPL 2025 had seven teams, including Fortune Barishal, Khulna Tigers and Durbar Rajshahi. For BPL 2026, the league dropped to six, with four sides either new or rebranded. Fortune Barishal, Comilla Victorians and Khulna Tigers did not take part.
Why the Number of BPL Teams Keeps Changing
The number of BPL teams depends on how many franchise bids pass the BCB’s financial checks. The board asks for bank guarantees and proof of funding, and owners who cannot meet those conditions are left out.
Payment problems in earlier seasons pushed the BCB to tighten its rules. That is good for players, who are more likely to get paid on time, but it means fewer owners qualify each cycle. Official franchise announcements are published by the BPL Governing Council and on the BCB website.
Format With Six BPL Teams
With six teams, the league stage is a double round-robin. Each side plays the other five twice, which gives every team ten league matches and the tournament 30 league games in total.
The top four BPL teams reach the playoffs: Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the final. That makes 34 matches overall, the same structure used in BPL 2026.
Rajshahi Warriors
Rajshahi Warriors are the defending champions and the team everyone else will be chasing. They won BPL 2026 by beating Chattogram Royals by 63 runs in the final at Mirpur.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner | Nabil Group of Industries |
| Captain (2026) | Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Head coach (2026) | Hannan Sarkar |
| Nickname | Yellow Army |
| Titles | 2 (2019-20 as Rajshahi Royals, 2026) |
| Previous names | Duronto Rajshahi, Rajshahi Kings, Rajshahi Royals, Durbar Rajshahi |
Strengths
Balance is their biggest weapon. They topped the 2026 league table with eight wins from ten, and their attack had Binura Fernando, Ripon Mondol and Tanzim Hasan Sakib all taking wickets. Full squad details and history sit on the Rajshahi Warriors team page.
What to Watch
Champions get targeted. Rajshahi also lost Qualifier 1 last season and only reached the final through Qualifier 2, so they know how thin the margins are even for the best of the BPL teams.
Chattogram Royals
Chattogram Royals had the strangest season of any of the BPL teams in 2026. Their owners walked away the day before the tournament, yet the squad still reached the final.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ownership (2026) | Run by the BCB after Triangle Sports exited |
| Captain (2026) | Mahedi Hasan |
| Head coach (2026) | Mizanur Rahman Babul |
| Titles | 0 (runners-up 2013, 2025, 2026) |
| Previous names | Chittagong Kings, Chittagong Vikings, Chattogram Challengers |
Strengths
Shoriful Islam took 26 wickets, a record for a single BPL season, and was named Player of the Series. The team also finished the league with the best net run rate of all six sides.
A Chattogram franchise has played in every BPL edition since 2012, but it has never won the title. That runners-up habit is the story fans in the port city want to change. You can read more on the Chattogram Royals team page.
What to Watch
Ownership. If Chattogram start the 2026-27 season with a stable owner and a full overseas group, they become one of the strongest BPL teams on paper.
Sylhet Titans
Sylhet Titans finished third in 2026 after winning the Eliminator and losing Qualifier 2 to Rajshahi by 12 runs. They play the opening matches of the season at their own ground, which gives them early home support.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Captain (2026) | Mehidy Hasan Miraz |
| Squad size (2026) | 25 players |
| Titles | 0 (runners-up 2023 as Sylhet Strikers) |
| Previous names | Sylhet Royals, Sylhet Super Stars, Sylhet Sixers, Sylhet Thunder, Sylhet Sunrisers, Sylhet Strikers |
Strengths
Parvez Hossain Emon topped the entire tournament with 395 runs and kept wicket at the same time. Sylhet also carried three quality spinners in Nasum Ahmed, Mehidy and Moeen Ali, which suits Mirpur in the closing phase.
What to Watch
Seven names in fourteen years is a lot, even by BPL standards. Keeping one name and one core group for a few seasons would help Sylhet build an identity among the BPL teams.
Rangpur Riders
Rangpur Riders are the oldest surviving franchise name among current BPL teams. They won the title in the 2017-18 season and have been competitive in most years since.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner | Toggi Sports (Bashundhara Group) |
| Captain (2026) | Nurul Hasan Sohan |
| Head coach (2026) | Mickey Arthur |
| Titles | 1 (2017-18) |
| Notable record | Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, first player with two BPL hat-tricks |
Strengths
Rangpur have stable, well-funded ownership and a strong local core with Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das and Mustafizur Rahman. Hridoy scored 382 runs in 2026.
What to Watch
Rangpur finished level with Chattogram on 12 points in 2026 but lost out on net run rate, then went out in the Eliminator. Low totals were their weak point all season.
Dhaka Capitals
The Dhaka franchise carries more history than any of the BPL teams. It won the first two titles as Dhaka Gladiators in 2012 and 2013, and a third as Dhaka Dynamites in 2016-17.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner | Champion Sports (Remark-Harlan) |
| Captain (2026) | Mohammad Mithun |
| Head coach (2026) | Toby Radford |
| Titles | 3 under earlier names |
| Previous names | Dhaka Gladiators, Dhaka Dynamites, Dhaka Platoon, Minister Group Dhaka, Dhaka Dominators, Durdanto Dhaka |
Strengths
Dhaka finish the league stage at Mirpur, their home ground. Their 2026 squad had big names including Alex Hales, Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam.
What to Watch
Results did not match reputations in 2026. They won only three of ten games and their leading run scorer managed 169. A batting rebuild is the priority.
Noakhali Express
Noakhali Express are the newest of the BPL teams. The franchise was introduced in November 2025 as part of an expansion from five to six teams, and it is the first BPL side to represent the Noakhali region.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First season | BPL 2026 |
| Captain (2026) | Shykat Ali, then Haider Ali from match three |
| Squad size (2026) | 28 players, the largest in the league |
| 2026 finish | 6th (2 wins from 10) |
Strengths
Their bowling showed promise, with Hasan Mahmud taking 16 wickets in a bottom-placed side. They also beat Rangpur once, which shows they can trouble stronger BPL teams on their day.
What to Watch
A season of experience should help. The 2026 squad was assembled in about six weeks, and a more settled, smaller group would make them far more competitive.
BPL Teams Comparison: 2026 Season Numbers
Here is a side-by-side look at how the six BPL teams performed in the league stage of BPL 2026.
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | NRR | Top Run Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajshahi Warriors | 10 | 8 | 2 | 16 | 0.335 | Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Chattogram Royals | 10 | 6 | 4 | 12 | 0.497 | Mohammad Naim |
| Rangpur Riders | 10 | 6 | 4 | 12 | 0.220 | Towhid Hridoy |
| Sylhet Titans | 10 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 0.373 | Parvez Hossain Emon |
| Dhaka Capitals | 10 | 3 | 7 | 6 | -0.381 | 169 runs (team best) |
| Noakhali Express | 10 | 2 | 8 | 4 | -1.038 | Hassan Eisakhil |
BPL Teams Name History
This is the section most fans need, because old BPL teams and new BPL teams are often the same franchise under a different badge. The table below links current names with their past identities.
| Current Team | Earlier Names |
|---|---|
| Rajshahi Warriors | Duronto Rajshahi, Rajshahi Kings, Rajshahi Royals, Durbar Rajshahi |
| Chattogram Royals | Chittagong Kings, Chittagong Vikings, Chattogram Challengers |
| Sylhet Titans | Sylhet Royals, Sylhet Super Stars, Sylhet Sixers, Sylhet Thunder, Sylhet Sunrisers, Sylhet Strikers |
| Rangpur Riders | Rangpur Rangers (2019-20 BCB-run season) |
| Dhaka Capitals | Dhaka Gladiators, Dhaka Dynamites, Dhaka Platoon, Minister Group Dhaka, Dhaka Dominators, Durdanto Dhaka |
| Noakhali Express | New franchise from 2026 |
Former BPL Teams No Longer Playing
Several successful franchises are not part of the current six BPL teams. Their records still count in BPL history, and the full champions list sits on our BPL winners list page.
- Comilla Victorians – four titles, the most successful franchise in BPL history.
- Fortune Barishal – back-to-back champions in 2024 and 2025.
- Khulna Tigers – runners-up in 2019-20.
- Barisal Bulls / Burners – finalists in the early seasons.
Key Players for Every BPL Team
Squads will change at the next draft, but the players below carried their BPL teams in 2026 and will be the first names their franchises try to keep or re-sign.
| Team | Key Batter | Key Bowler | Key Overseas Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajshahi Warriors | Najmul Hossain Shanto (355 runs) | Ripon Mondol (17 wickets) | Binura Fernando (18 wickets) |
| Chattogram Royals | Mohammad Naim (272 runs) | Shoriful Islam (26 wickets) | Adam Rossington (keeper) |
| Sylhet Titans | Parvez Hossain Emon (395 runs) | Nasum Ahmed (18 wickets) | Moeen Ali |
| Rangpur Riders | Towhid Hridoy (382 runs) | Mustafizur Rahman (16 wickets) | Dawid Malan |
| Dhaka Capitals | Saif Hassan | Taskin Ahmed | Alex Hales |
| Noakhali Express | Hassan Eisakhil (224 runs) | Hasan Mahmud (16 wickets) | Mohammad Nabi |
Why Local Players Decide BPL Seasons
Overseas stars grab headlines, but only four can play in any match, and international duty often pulls them away for part of the season. That makes the seven local players in each XI the real backbone of all BPL teams.
Look at the 2026 numbers. The top run scorer (Parvez Emon), the top wicket-taker (Shoriful Islam) and the captain of the champions (Shanto) were all Bangladeshi. Teams that invest in strong local cores usually go further than teams that chase overseas names.
The All-Rounder Shortage
Every one of the BPL teams wants a local all-rounder who can bat in the top six and bowl four overs. Bangladesh produces very few of them, which is why players such as Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahedi Hasan end up as captains and first picks.
How BPL Teams Build Their Squads
Each franchise follows roughly the same process before every season. Understanding it explains why squads look so different from one year to the next.
Step 1: Retentions and Direct Signings
Franchises first decide who to keep from last season and which players to sign directly before the draft. This is usually where captains are locked in.
Step 2: The Draft or Auction
Next comes the main player selection event, where BPL teams pick local and overseas cricketers category by category. In 2026, this was an auction held on 30 November 2025 in Dhaka.
Step 3: Replacements During the Season
Injuries, national call-ups and visa delays force changes mid-tournament. Chattogram Royals signed four overseas replacements in 2026 after their original foreign group failed to arrive, and Noakhali Express found their best batter, Hassan Eisakhil, the same way.
What This Means for Fans
Do not judge any of the BPL teams purely on the list published on draft night. The squad that finishes the season is often quite different from the one that started it.
Which BPL Team Has the Most Fans?
There is no official fan count, but support tends to follow city size and recent success. Dhaka has the biggest population and the oldest franchise history. Chattogram and Sylhet draw huge home crowds when the tournament visits their grounds.
Rajshahi and Rangpur supporters face a disadvantage, because the BPL has not used their cities as hosts in recent seasons. Fans there mostly follow on television or travel to Dhaka.
Home Grounds of BPL Teams
| Team | Home Ground | Hosts BPL Matches? |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka Capitals | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur | Yes |
| Chattogram Royals | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium | Yes |
| Sylhet Titans | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium | Yes |
| Rajshahi Warriors | Shaheed Qamaruzzaman Stadium | Not in recent seasons |
| Rangpur Riders | No BPL venue in Rangpur | No |
| Noakhali Express | No BPL venue in the region | No |
Which BPL Teams Look Strongest for 2027?
Squads will not be settled until the next draft, so any ranking now is based on last season and franchise stability. Here is a fair early read.
Tier 1: Title Favourites
Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals. Both reached the 2026 final, both have strong local cores, and both should be stronger with settled planning.
Tier 2: Playoff Contenders
Sylhet Titans and Rangpur Riders. Both reached the playoffs last year and have proven match-winners in Parvez Emon and Towhid Hridoy.
Tier 3: Rebuilding Sides
Dhaka Capitals and Noakhali Express. Both need major squad changes, but a smart draft could lift either into playoff contention.
Frequently Asked Questions About BPL Teams
How many teams are in BPL 2027?
Six BPL teams are expected: Rajshahi Warriors, Chattogram Royals, Sylhet Titans, Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Capitals and Noakhali Express.
Which BPL team has won the most titles?
Comilla Victorians have won the most, with four titles. They are not part of the current line-up. Among current BPL teams, the Dhaka franchise has three under earlier names.
Who are the defending BPL champions?
Rajshahi Warriors, who beat Chattogram Royals by 63 runs in the 2026 final.
Which is the newest BPL team?
Noakhali Express, who joined for the 2026 season as the first franchise from the Noakhali region.
Why do BPL teams change names so often?
Names change when ownership changes. New owners usually rebrand to mark a fresh start, which is why several franchises have used five or more names.
Is Fortune Barishal playing in BPL 2027?
Fortune Barishal did not take part in BPL 2026 and are not among the six expected BPL teams for 2027 unless the BCB adds a franchise.
Which BPL team has never won the title?
Among current BPL teams, Chattogram Royals, Sylhet Titans and Noakhali Express have never won the trophy.
Final Thoughts on BPL Teams
The six BPL teams for 2026-27 bring a mix of history and fresh starts. Rajshahi Warriors arrive as champions, Chattogram Royals carry a runners-up chip on their shoulder, Sylhet and Rangpur want to go one step further, Dhaka need a rebuild, and Noakhali want to prove their debut was just a warm-up.
With five-year ownership deals now in place, fans may finally get a few seasons where team names stay the same. That alone would make following the BPL teams a lot easier.
