Dhaka – After a two-week break, local cricketers have started their preparations for the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League T20, scheduled to start from February 25.
As the tournament got the T20 status from the ICC, the players are considering it as a platform for proving their mettle.
Twelve clubs will participate in the tournament. Four of them, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club, Legends of Rupganj and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, held their first practice session on Friday morning at the National Cricket Academy.
During the practice, veteran cricketer Nadif Chowdhury told the media that the new tournament will be a great opportunity for cricketers who did not get a chance to play in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
“I think it is a good decision of the board to host a new T20 tournament. Guys, who do not get a chance to play T20, will get an opportunity to show their T20 prowess. It is a great chance for the local guys,” Nadif said.
The Mohammedan batsman said the T20 format of the league will help cricketers prepare for the 50-over format of the league which is set to start from March 8.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan Shohan said the tournament can be a perfect stage to find new talents.
“We will play the next season of BPL in December. Before that, the new T20 league will help us find new talents,” Shohan, the Sheikh Jamal player, said.
The 12 teams have been divided into four groups. Every team will get the chance to play two matches at the group stage. Champions of each group will advance to the semi-finals. The semi-finals will take the field on March 1 and the final will played on March 3.UNB
