The Bangladesh Premier League starts its new season in Sylhet, with the opening match featuring the Sylhet Titans against the Rajshahi Warriors. Another game that same day pits the Noakhali Express against the Chattogram Royals. Online tickets are reportedly sold out. Players see this tournament as key preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Rajshahi captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his team's success matters more than personal goals, though performing well could boost his World Cup chances. Sylhet captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed a strong desire to win the league's championship for his city for the first time.
The lead-up to the first match has been chaotic. The Chattogram Royals franchise was taken over by the country's cricket board after its owner, Kayum Rashed, requested help due to financial and sponsorship problems from integrity rumors. The board appointed Habibul Bashar as mentor, with Mizanur Rahman Babul and Nafees Iqbal as coach and manager. Separately, Noakhali Express coaches Khaled Mahmud and Talha Jubair briefly left a training session over management disputes before returning. A board official acknowledged the difficult situation, calling for cooperation to run the event.
Logistical problems have plagued the tournament's organization. The physical championship trophy was not ready in time, with a rejected design causing a delay requiring an international order. A formal trophy unveiling and captains' photo session did not occur. Players gave press conferences outdoors because the proper media room setup was incomplete. Stadium advertisement boards arrived very late, leaving the venue mostly empty-looking throughout the day. A small opening ceremony with a performance by musician Fuad is planned between the day's two matches.
The lead-up to the first match has been chaotic. The Chattogram Royals franchise was taken over by the country's cricket board after its owner, Kayum Rashed, requested help due to financial and sponsorship problems from integrity rumors. The board appointed Habibul Bashar as mentor, with Mizanur Rahman Babul and Nafees Iqbal as coach and manager. Separately, Noakhali Express coaches Khaled Mahmud and Talha Jubair briefly left a training session over management disputes before returning. A board official acknowledged the difficult situation, calling for cooperation to run the event.
Logistical problems have plagued the tournament's organization. The physical championship trophy was not ready in time, with a rejected design causing a delay requiring an international order. A formal trophy unveiling and captains' photo session did not occur. Players gave press conferences outdoors because the proper media room setup was incomplete. Stadium advertisement boards arrived very late, leaving the venue mostly empty-looking throughout the day. A small opening ceremony with a performance by musician Fuad is planned between the day's two matches.
