The Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League’s Facebook page is not particularly active outside the season. But on Saturday, the admin had a busy day, as it marked the first day of the two-day player transfer window for the 2025–26 DPL season, set to begin on May 4.
From the morning, there was a steady flow of cricketers at the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) office at the BCB building. Mahmudullah Riyad arrived, drawing the attention of cameras. Having played for Mohammedan Sporting Club last season, the former Bangladesh captain has now changed address and will represent Prime Bank Cricket Club this time.
After signing his form with a smile and handing it over to CCDM officials, Mahmudullah was seen greeting Ripon Mondol on his way out. Ripon, who played for Abahani Limited last season, exchanged a handshake and even flashed a victory sign at him.
Another fan favourite, Sabbir Rahman, has left Partex to join Abahani this season. He was welcomed with a Marigold garland by an Abahani supporter even before entering the CCDM office.
Parvez Hossain Emon has moved from Abahani to Mohammedan. Perhaps in celebration of signing a player from a rival camp, a supporter wrapped the left-handed opener in the club’s flag.
Anamul Haque Bijoy returned to the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur after a long time. His last visit came when he sought evidence from the BCB after being left out of the BPL over fixing allegations, hoping to reclaim his lost reputation.
This time, however, he came for the transfer window. The leading run scorer for Gazi Group Cricketers in the previous DPL season has now joined Mohammedan. Zakir Ali Anik, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mushfik Hasan and many others were also seen walking through the CCDM corridors.
There is only one reason behind this festive atmosphere, the DPL. Yet, cricketers were on the verge of missing out on both the joy and relief it brings. It is not just about returning to cricket, the financial aspect is directly tied to it, as most players earn a significant portion of their yearly income from this league.
Club organisers had earlier taken a firm stand against the board led by Aminul Islam Bulbul. Alleging irregularities in the last BCB election and abuse of power, several heavyweight clubs boycotted all tournaments under the BCB.
As a result, on-field cricket came to a halt, and players outside the national setup endured a period of frustration and uncertainty.
Tamim Iqbal, along with 50 club officials, later wrote to the National Sports Council, requesting an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the BCB election. The NSC formed a five-member independent inquiry committee, and the findings went against Bulbul’s board.
The board was subsequently dissolved, and Tamim was appointed as the head of the ad hoc committee by NSC. It is under his initiative that this season’s DPL is set to take place.
Following several rounds of meetings with clubs, the schedule has been finalised and complications resolved.
The country’s premier List A tournament, set to begin on May 4, will not feature relegation or a Super League due to time constraints. Even with a simplified single-league format, there is a clear sense of relief among cricketers. A total of 79 players completed transfers on the opening day of the window.
Mahmudullah Riyad expressed relief over the league finally taking place. After completing his move to Prime Bank, he told reporters, “The most comforting thing for all cricketers is that the Premier League is going to be played, InshaAllah. Because we were all waiting for it. So this is the most relieving and joyful news.”
He also credited BCB president Tamim for making the league possible. Tamim held multiple meetings with clubs to ensure the tournament goes ahead. He also confirmed that each team will receive 25 lakhs taka from the BCB to help build their squads, along with lunch provisions to reduce the financial burden on clubs.
Additionally, considering the weather, there will be reserve days, and ambulances will be kept ready at venues to handle any emergency health issues.
Praising Tamim, his former teammate Mahmudullah said, “I think credit goes to Tamim because he came in and took this initiative. And the most important thing is that, at the end of the day, this is one of our major earning sources as cricketers. But ultimately, cricketers always want to be on the field and play. There is nothing bigger than that.”
Speaking about the facilities for this season’s DPL, Grounds Committee chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu said on Friday, “Considering the difficulties players face in the heat, the BCB will arrange lunch for them. Also, keeping the possibility of rain in mind, each match will have a reserve day. To handle any emergency situation, we will try to have a medical team along with an ambulance at every venue.”
