BPL Cricket Tournament Returns to UAE for 12th Edition in January 2026
The Bhatkal Premier League will kick off on January 4, 2026, at Sharjah's JMR Cricket Ground, featuring eight teams competing over five weeks.
Dubai: Cricket enthusiasts in the UAE have a reason to celebrate as the Bhatkal Premier League (BPL) gears up for its 12th season, set to begin on January 4, 2026.
The tournament, which has become a highlight for the South Indian community in the Gulf, will run for five weeks and culminate in a grand final on February 1, 2026.
Tournament Details
Under the guidance of BPL governing council chairman Yasir Kashimji and commissioner Taha Muallim, this year’s edition promises exciting cricket action at the JMR Cricket Ground on Dhaid Road in Sharjah.
Eight teams will compete for the championship title across 15 matches. The tournament will follow a straightforward format: teams are split into two groups, with each side playing three matches during the league phase. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Match Schedule
All matches will be played on Sundays, starting at 3:00 p.m. The tournament features doubleheader matches each week, giving fans plenty of cricket to enjoy. Semi-finals are scheduled for the fourth week, leading up to the championship finale on February 1.
Registration Process
Team owners interested in participating can register between November 8 and 13, 2025, by emailing bpluae@yahoo.com. Two teams from last season have already secured their spots, while six new slots are open for teams pending approval from the BPL committee.
For players, registration opened on November 10 and will continue until November 23, 2025. Only UAE resident visa holders are eligible to participate. Players can register through the official portal (CLICK HERE)
Those seeking additional information can reach out to Imran Khateeb or Abdul Sattar Lanka.
Player Auction
The highly anticipated player auction will take place on December 7, 2025, in Dubai. Team owners will gather to bid for registered players in what has traditionally been one of the most exciting events leading up to the tournament.
Eligibility Rules
Chairman Yasir Kashimji clarified the eligibility criteria for players. Icon players must hold UAE resident visas, while guest players can be recruited from the Gulf region or among local UAE residents. Players on visit visas will not be allowed to participate.
A Growing Tradition
Since its inception, the Bhatkal Premier League has grown into one of the most popular cricket tournaments among the South Indian diaspora in the UAE. The league brings together talented cricketers from Bhatkal and across the Emirates, creating a platform that celebrates sportsmanship, community spirit, and competitive cricket.
What started as a community initiative has transformed into a much-awaited annual sporting event that brings people together through their shared love of cricket.
