The National Cricket League has returned with a new look this season, with players set to use designated helmets and baggy caps while the competition also switches from the Duke to the Kookaburra ball.
The 28th edition of the country’s premier first-class competition began on Saturday, with eight divisional teams taking part in a 28-match tournament. Each team will play seven matches.
Defending champions Rangpur began their campaign against Dhaka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, while Khulna faced Barishal at the Khulna Divisional Stadium. Chattogram took on Rajshahi at the Bir Shreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, with Sylhet playing newcomers Mymensingh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The Kookaburra ball will be used in first-team matches this season, replacing the Duke ball used previously. The second XI matches will continue with the SG ball.
The introduction of designated helmets and baggy caps is another new feature of this season, giving the tournament a more uniform look.
Matches will be held across eight grounds, including the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna divisional stadiums, Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium academy ground, Bogura’s Shahid Chandu Stadium and the Cox’s Bazar Academy ground.
The tournament is also beginning without several of Bangladesh’s regular national players, who are currently engaged with the national team. Bangladesh are preparing for a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on October 9 before the tri-nation ODI series involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe gets underway on October 17.
