SPORTS REPORTER

Broader facilities, fresh initiatives, and the promise of fiercer competition have lifted spirits ahead of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) 2025-26, which begins today across six venues. Above all, however, players are simply relieved to see the tournament return after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

The competition will begin without national Test players, who are set to miss the opening six rounds until May 20 due to Bangladesh’s upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cricket operations in-charge Shahriar Nafees.

On the field, the prospect of a more competitive season has added to the excitement. With at least four teams in contention, defending champions Abahani skipper Mosaddek Hossain believes the balance across squads could make the difference.

“Previously, there were maybe four or five teams that stood out as very strong. But this year, everyone has tried to build fairly balanced sides. If the weather [overcast conditions] continues like this, any team can be dangerous on any given day,” Mosaddek said.

Mohammedan captain Tawhid Hridoy echoed that sentiment, promising to be “delivering as a unit,” while remaining mostly relieved as the tournament starts after prolonged uncertainty.

“Even cricketers from the Second and Third Divisions didn’t get opportunities recently, which is unfortunate. So it’s a relief that the tournament is finally starting,” he said.

This season carries added significance after a turbulent lead-up that left the tournament’s fate in limbo. Several clubs had threatened a boycott over concerns regarding the legitimacy of the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led BCB, but the impasse was resolved following the formation of an ad hoc committee headed by Tamim Iqbal. The former national captain will be present at today’s inauguration ceremony, alongside State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque.

For Hridoy, there is further reason for optimism. The Mohammedan skipper, who was handed a four-match ban last season by the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) for dissent -- ruling him out of the title decider -- will not have the remaining three matches of his suspension carried into this season.

“In domestic cricket, such incidents are counted for one year from the date they occur. Since that period has passed, he is now free to play,” CCDM coordinator Mohammad Salim told The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, the Tamim-led ad hoc committee’s latest initiatives -- including enhanced in-game medical support, healthier, fitness-focused meal plans, and reinstatement of Anti-Corruption Unit protocols for a fairer game -- contributed to a more positive atmosphere around the competition.

All 12 teams will be in action on the opening day. Reigning champions Abahani face Dhaka Leopards at the Bashundhara Sports City Complex, the venue for the inauguration ceremony, while runners-up Mohammedan take on City Club at BKSP-3.

CCDM, in coordination with the BCB, has confirmed a single-league format for this year, scrapping the Super League and Relegation League phases.

A total of 66 matches will be played, with reserve days in place to minimise disruptions. The team finishing top of the table will be crowned champions, while the bottom two sides will be relegated to the Dhaka First Division Cricket League.