Newcomers Rajshahi Warriors have officially become the first team to start on-field preparations for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The squad began their training camp on Saturday morning at the BCB Academy Ground, boasting a star-studded domestic lineup that includes Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Mushfiqur Rahim.
Since the auction, the franchise has demonstrated remarkable professionalism, leading the way in team organization and fan engagement. Players initially practiced in national team kits, but the arrival of official team gear midway through the session marked the formal start of their campaign.
Head coach Hannan Sarkar, who recently guided Abahani to a league title under challenging circumstances, emphasized that his sights are firmly set on winning the trophy. “Our goal is to become champions, but we will take it step by step,” Hannan told reporters after the session. “At Abahani, I also said the championship was the ultimate objective. Here too, our focus will be on progressing methodically, aligning with the timing and demands of each game.”
The Warriors have secured six international players, including Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Nawaz, alongside Hussain Talat, Sandeep Lamichhane, Binura Fernando, and Jahandad Khan. Unlike previous seasons, where foreign recruits often joined mid-campaign, Hannan expressed confidence in having the full roster available from day one.
“Our team will head to Sylhet on the afternoon of December 23, and all six foreign players will travel on the same domestic flight,” Hannan confirmed. “We have maintained continuous communication with them, and they will be with us from the very first day in Sylhet, InshaAllah.”
Despite meticulous planning, the coach acknowledged the unpredictability of the T20 format. “Winning the championship requires skill, preparation, and some luck. That will become clear over the course of the tournament, but our objective remains to be champions.”
According to the fixtures, Rajshahi Warriors will kick off their campaign against Sylhet Strikers in the curtain-raiser on 26 December in Sylhet.
