There is a saying, “Morning shows the day,” which perfectly fits the series of events unfolding less than 24 hours before the kickoff of the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Thursday.
In Sylhet, just a day before the country’s marquee tournament, at 10 a.m., the Chattogram Royals owners requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to take over the franchise due to financial difficulties. Meanwhile, newcomers Noakhali Express saw Head Coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon and Assistant Coach Talha Jubair leave the ground mid-practice, citing dissatisfaction with the franchise’s insufficient logistical support.
Such chaos is hardly new for the BPL. Almost every season, fans witness incidents that reflect mismanagement. However, despite these dramatic moments, the tournament will commence on 26th December at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Host Sylhet Titans will face Rajshahi Warriors in the opening match, scheduled to start at 3.00 PM.
Rajshahi, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, has shown thorough planning during their BPL preparation. From the top order and foreign signings to the bowling attack, the team has everything in place since the pre-auction. Skipper Shanto also appeared confident while speaking to reporters about the team combination for the tournament opener.
“From the auction onwards, we have been very clear about the combination we want to play with. We know exactly which players we need in which positions,” Shanto said confidently. “We are clear about the combination we will go with tomorrow, and we are not overthinking it because we know what we need.”
Shanto acknowledged the challenge of playing against Sylhet in front of their home crowd on a batting-friendly surface. “I think, as a player, it’s very exciting to play against the home crowd. For me, it’s something to enjoy. Taking on this challenge is very important, and all the players in my team are ready for it,” he added.
Sylhet skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz also shared his excitement about starting BPL 12 at home. “It feels really good, everyone is very excited. Since this is the first time the BPL is starting in Sylhet, it feels even more special,” he said. “We all wait for this BPL, everyone waits a whole year and works very hard for it. So because it’s starting from Sylhet, it feels very meaningful.”
Miraz has built Sylhet’s squad with local stars such as Nasum Ahmed, Parvez Hossain Emon, and Afif Hossain, complemented by foreign signings Mohammad Amir and Saim Ayub. Though Anglo Matthews and Aaron Jones have withdrawn from the tournament, Miraz remains confident in his squad.
Highlighting his personal ambition, he said, “Yes, every franchise dreams of becoming the champion. Of course, it’s my dream too, to make Sylhet the champion, because Sylhet has never won before. If Sylhet becomes champion for the first time under my leadership, that would be a very special and satisfying moment.”
Expectations are sky-high for the opening matches, while the controversial duo, Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals, will face each other in the second match of the day at 7:45 PM.
Noakhali has built its squad around local youngsters like Hasan Mahmud, Jaker Ali Anik, and Mahidul Islam, with experienced players such as Soumya Sarker. Their foreign signing Kusal Mendis has been ruled out for the season due to health issues, but Pakistani batter Haider Ali and Afghan rising star Hassan Eisakhil have joined the squad.
The drama surrounding Noakhali peaked when coaches Sujon and Talha left the practice session. Sujon initially refused to comment but later explained his departure was due to dissatisfaction with training arrangements.
He later clarified, “Thanks to the team owners who stood by me and also the BCB for talking to me. I didn’t get the equipment I needed during training, so I was a bit upset and may have misbehaved. But now I realize misbehaving wasn’t right, especially with the tournament going on.” The team has since regrouped.
Chattogram Royals, meanwhile, have faced their own challenges before the tournament. Several foreign players, including Paul Stirling, Niroshan Dickwella, and Abrar Ahmed, withdrew due to injury or NOC issues, sparking rumors that no foreign players would participate for the side. However, BPL governing council member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu confirmed that two foreign cricketers from Afghanistan and UAE have joined the squad.
The BCB has taken full responsibility for all costs, expenses, and player payments for Chattogram. Regarding payments, Mithu explained, “This was discussed with the players, very simply. Whatever happened in the auction, we will fully cover it. Since we have taken over, if they can show a contract – any valid contract, whether with a coach or anyone else – we will honor it.”
