On the eve of the Bangladesh Premier League’s opening day on Friday, uncertainty surrounded both Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals after ownership and management issues disrupted preparations ahead of their first match.
Noakhali Express are scheduled to face Chattogram Royals in the second match of the opening day, but both teams were caught in off-field turbulence. Chattogram’s owners were unable to put the team in a position to operate up to the day before the match, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board to take control of the franchise.
Attention then shifted to Noakhali, where head coach Khaled Mahmud and senior assistant coach Talha Jubair walked out of a training session, citing mismanagement. The incident raised fresh concerns around the league’s newest franchise and its readiness for competition.
However, Noakhali Express later confirmed that both coaches would return to training. The team’s media manager said Khaled Mahmud and Talha had decided to resume their duties, though it remained unclear whether the decision followed assurances from the franchise owners or intervention from the BCB. The franchise has indicated it will hold a press conference to clarify the situation.
The earlier walkout was dramatic. As Khaled Mahmud left the ground by CNG-powered autorickshaw, he responded angrily to questions from journalists. “I will not do the BPL in any way,” he said at the time, insisting he would not continue as Noakhali Express head coach.
With the tournament about to begin, the episode has added to a week marked by organisational challenges, even as the BCB attempts to stabilise teams and ensure the opening fixtures go ahead as scheduled.
