The usually quiet Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) at the BCB headquarters came alive today as the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) transfer window opened, marking a return to activity after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the country's top domestic competition, reports BSS.
The two-day transfer process began at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, with 79 cricketers switching teams on the opening day through a combination of online and in-person dealings.
The event drew a significant presence of players, reflecting renewed interest after the league had faced the threat of cancellation.
The DPL's future had been thrown into doubt following a boycott by clubs, who labeled Aminul Islam Bulbul's board 'illegal'. The deadlock was resolved after the committee was dissolved and an ad-hoc body led by Tamim Iqbal took charge, paving the way for the league to proceed.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has allocated a grant of Tk 2.5 million per team. The competition will be single-league basis as the relegation and the Super League phase was scrapped for this season due to time constraint.
"We are relieved that the league is finally happening. It would have been a bigger loss if it hadn't"' said Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun, adding that the return of the competition ensures at least some stability for players.
On the field, traditional rivals Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club appear strong contenders for the title, alongside Prime Bank Cricket Club.
On Day 1 Mohammedan bolstered their squad by signing Anamul Haque Bijoy, the leading century-maker in DPL history, along with Naim Sheikh, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rishad Hossain and Ripon Mondal.
Prime Bank secured a major signing in Mahmudullah Riyad, who moved from Mohammedan, and also added national players Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Defending champions Abahani retained the core of their squad while bringing in national cricketers Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali Anik and Sabbir Rahman.
New entrants Dhaka Leopards also made notable additions, including experienced campaigners Mominul Haque and Mohammad Mithun, along with several players from the recent Under-19 World Cup squad.
The remaining teams were relatively quiet on the opening day, with more activity expected in the final day of transfer window tomorrow (Sunday).
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
