Mahela, Moody want consistency in BPL

There has been a lot of discussion since the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) governing council disclosed plans for a new four-year cycle, but their communication seems arbitrary given how everything is set to change in the upcoming season, with the sixth edition having marked the end of the first cycle.

The governing council has communicated how things are going to change, including players' contracts and also the BPL's agreement with franchises.

Matters came to a head when the BPL organising committee informed that Shakib Al Hasan's move from Dhaka Dynamites to Rangpur Riders was not endorsed by the governing council. That created a lot of confusion and uncertainty among the franchises.

Now, franchise owners are clamouring for consistency when it comes to setting rules and regulations, which have constantly changed across almost every edition. With the seventh edition starting from December 5, questions have been raised about whether there is enough time for franchises to settle into this new realm with just three months in hand.

Sri Lanka legend and Khulna Titans head coach Mahela Jayawardene -- who has played in and been part of the coaching staff in many franchise tournaments across the world, including the Indian Premier League -- underlined how consistency provides a fair opportunity to everyone.

"Having long-term planning is important. I feel that when you keep changing the rules every year, and even while the tournament is on, it is not healthy for franchise cricket. If you look at the other tournaments around the world, they always have a consistent set of rules which guides all franchises and is quite fair for everyone. If you are starting a new cycle then it is important that you set it up in a manner that is quite consistent for all francihses," the 42-year-old said.

Since 2016, icon players have been free to change franchises. Since then, icons have made moves every season and those have always caused controversy. In fact, rule changes were made after 2016 as well. In 2016 only two local players could be retained, but in 2017 four local players could be retained.

"If you want a clean slate then have one local icon as a direct signing and if you want to have one or two foreign direct signings then it's quite fine. But after that every other player should either be in a draft or auction. And if you are having an auction then you can always have a salary cap. That is quite a fair way of setting up the franchise and adds competitiveness into the tournament because then most of the teams will be equally balanced. That's what the public wants and that's what will be healthy for Bangladesh cricket," he opined.

Another top coach who has been part of franchise tournaments across the world and is reportedly in contention for the India head coach job alongside Jayawardene,  Rangpur Riders head coach Tom Moody, said that consistency in the rules was important to grow a fan base.

"Having been involved in many T20 leagues over the past 12 years, it has become very clear that one of the most important elements is consistency in the playing conditions and rules set out for the franchises," the Australian said.

"It is not only important for franchises or management, it is crucial for the fan base to have an understanding of the playing group, not only local (players) but international as well, they are following. It gives them a loyal fan base. If we see things constantly changing on whims, the integrity of the tournament can be questioned both locally and internationally."