f Local stars lit up the opener of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) between Chattogram Challengers and Sylhet Thunders at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

While Mohammad Mithun smashed an unbeaten 48-ball 84 -- his career-best T20 score — to help Sylhet Thunders post a challenging 162 for four, it was Imrul Kayes who stole Mithun's thunder with a magnificent 38-ball 61 to ensure a five-wicket victory for Chattogram Challengers.

Bangladeshi players excelling in the opener should please the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) as prior to the start of the T20 league, board officials said that the one-of-a-kind BBPL - arranged solely by the BCB without the franchises involved 1 six previous editions — would be a splendid platform for locals to make a statement ahead of the T20 World Cup in October 2020.

imrul, who had walked in after Nazmul Islam removed Junaid Siddique and Nasir Hossain in successive deliveries in the fourth over to put Chattogram in a spot of bother at 20 for two, said that the assurance of being picked in the coming games changes a player's style of play.

"In the national team we play one or two T20s in a series. Sometimes we play T20 matches right after playing a Test or ODI. Sometimes I played one or two matches and then I get to play a T20. So, in the national team when you cannot score runs in one match, it becomes difficult for you to play the next game — the pressure gets to you. But here 1 know that if I play well or badly, I will be playing all the matches. This freedom is very important. And when you have such freedom, then the way you play changes," said Imrul, who was dropped from the T20 squad that toured India for three T2OIs last month.

Imrul, who had abysmal outings during the Two-Test series in India, also mentioned that he cannot replicate his domestic form at the international stage due to the frequent questions asked by the journos regarding his form.

"I lose my form when you guys [journalists] ask questions. I stay in form and then lose it," said Imrul with a smirk, later adding that the criticism he receives for bad performances is usual for a famous player like him.

Although it may be too early to say whether locals will keep dominating, it sure was a bright start for the likes of Imrul and Mithun on the opening day. While the BCB will be happy with what transpired in the opening game, there remain some issues that need the board's attention as none of the two teams complied with the preset guidelines -- playing at least one wrist spinner and have him bowl the full four-over quota and also employing an express fast bowler capable of bowling over 140kmph -provided by the board.