Dhaka, Oct 3 (V7N) – The 28th edition of the National Cricket League (NCL) got underway today at different venues across the country, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) making several changes to quell its long-standing tag of 'picnic league', incorporating procedures including captains wearing special caps and suits reminiscent of Test matches.

BCB Director and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury formally inaugurated the tournament at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Md Mashiur Rahman presided over the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chowdhury praised the Sylhet venue, describing it as one of the country's leading cricket grounds. He said Sylhet had previously won the NCL title and expressed hope that the divisional side would again compete strongly for the championship.

The opening ceremony was attended by BCB Director Redwan Ahmed, BCB Councilor Ashraf Arman and other officials, as well as representatives and captains of the Sylhet and Mymensingh teams.

Eight divisional teams are taking part in this year's competition, with 28 matches scheduled over seven rounds. Each team will play seven matches, with the team finishing top of the points table to be crowned champions. Rangpur Division are the defending champions.

The BCB has introduced several changes to the tournament this year, including:

  • Captains wearing special caps and suits, a practice reminiscent of international Test matches

  • Improved match presentation and ceremony protocols

  • Enhanced professionalism in team management

The reforms are part of the BCB's broader efforts to revitalise domestic cricket and improve its competitiveness and professionalism. The tournament serves as a key platform for players to stake their claim for national selection, particularly ahead of Bangladesh's home Test series against West Indies in October-November.

In the opening round, defending champions Rangpur faced Dhaka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, while Sylhet faced Mymensingh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. In the other fixtures, Khulna took on Barisal at the Khulna Divisional Stadium, and Chattogram met Rajshahi at the Bir Shrestha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram.

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