Dubai: Cricket fever is set to grip the UAE once again as the Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) officially announces its 12th edition, scheduled to begin on January 4, 2026, and conclude with a grand finale on February 1, 2026.
Organized under the leadership of BPL governing council chairman Yasir Kashimji and commissioner Taha Muallim, the upcoming season promises another chapter of high-octane cricket, camaraderie, and spirited competition.
Venue and teams
Eight formidable teams will vie for the championship title at the JMR Cricket Ground, Dhaid Road, Sharjah, commissioner Taha Muallim confirmed in an official statement.
Tournament format and schedule
The 12th BPL season will feature 15 thrilling matches played across five consecutive Sundays, beginning January 4, 2026.
League phase: Doubleheader matches every Sunday from 3:00 p.m. onwards
Semi-finals: Scheduled for the fourth week of the tournament
Grand finale: To be held on February 1, 2026
Teams will be divided into two groups, with each side playing three group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, leading to an action-packed championship finale.
Team and player registration
Team registration: Open from November 8 to 13, 2025, via email at bpluae@yahoo.com
Two teams from the previous edition will retain their spots
Six new slots are available for fresh entrants, subject to BPL committee approval
Player registration: Open to UAE resident visa holders from November 10 to 23, 2025, through the official portal: superplayerauction.com/user?acode=56572-362&direct=1
For further details, interested participants may contact Imran Khateeb or Abdul Sattar Lanka.
Player auction ceremony
The much-awaited BPL player auction will take place on December 7, 2025, in Dubai, where team owners will bid for registered players in an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
Eligibility for icon and guest players
BPL chairman Yasir Kashimji emphasized that icon players must possess UAE resident visas.
Guest players may be drawn from the Gulf region or among local UAE residents.
Players holding visit visas will not be eligible to participate.
A celebration of cricketing excellence
Over the years, the Bhatkal Premier League—featuring talented cricketers from Bhatkal and across the UAE—has evolved into one of the most anticipated sporting events among the South Indian community in the Gulf.
The league continues to embody the spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence, making it not just a tournament but a true festival of cricket in the region.