Mirpur Grounds Buzz with Cricketers Ahead of BPL Kickoff

The atmosphere at Mirpur’s cricket academy was abuzz with energy as players prepared for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). After finishing his training session, Akbar Ali stepped out of the academy grounds, only to be greeted by spinner Naeem Hasan from a distance, who jokingly saluted him. Laughing, Akbar walked over, and the pair quickly fell into casual conversation and friendly banter.

Soon after, Ripon Mondal appeared, waiting by his car. The young batsman had recently impressed during the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament and was waiting for teammate Mehrab Hossain. Once Mehrab arrived, the duo departed together for their team hotel in Rajshahi.

Inside the academy, pacer Nahid Rana emerged shortly afterwards. A journalist jokingly remarked upon seeing his national team practice jersey, “Your BPL seems to have already started!” With a chuckle, Nahid replied, “Just a few more hours…” before climbing into the Rangpur Riders’ vehicle to head to the Bashundhara Sports Complex for his franchise practice session.

Mirpur’s scattered glimpses of player activity have provided an early signal of the BPL’s imminent arrival. Two days ago, Rajshahi Warriors were the first team to commence practice, while yesterday, Dhaka Capitals, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Titans took to the field. Sylhet Titans had also begun their sessions in Sylhet itself, ahead of the 26 December tournament opener, which will feature Sylhet against Rajshahi at 3:00 pm, followed by Chattogram’s new franchise, Noakhali, at 8:00 pm.

Teams and foreign recruits are set to move to Sylhet the following day. Tickets for the opening matches sold out rapidly, with 50% of available seats gone within just two hours.

Players have also begun sharing their expectations and goals for the tournament. Akbar, the top performer in the recent NCL T20 with 222 runs in eight matches, stated, “I will give my best whenever I get the chance. I aim to maintain the same mindset I had during the NCL.”

Nahid Rana, who made headlines in the National Cricket League, promised to showcase new skills in this BPL season, saying, “I will maintain the consistency of my past performances and apply the new techniques I’ve been working on.”

Mohammad Mithun, who led Chattogram Kings to last season’s final, will captain Dhaka Capitals this year. On his appointment, Mithun remarked, “The start is crucial. The quicker we gel as a team early on, the better it will benefit us later in the tournament.”

Mirpur’s cricketing grounds now hum with excitement and anticipation, as BPL fever takes hold and the nation waits for the first ball to be bowled.

Optional Table: BPL Teams Commencing Practice in Mirpur