The most prestigious Dhaka Metropolis Premier Division Cricket League, a list A tournament, featuring twelve leading teams of the country, begins at different venues in the city and adjoining areas today (Wednesday).
Defending champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will play Khelaghar Samaj Kallayan Samity at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah while runners-up Prime Doleshwar SC face Partex SC at BKSP ground-3 and Legend of Rupganj encounter Brothers Union Club at BKSP ground-4 in three first round opening day fixture.
On the following day (Thursday), Victoria SC will meet Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah while Dhaka Mohammedan SC battle against Gazi Group Cricketers at BKSP ground-3 and Prime Bank SC face Kalabagan KC at BKSP ground-4 in the remaining first round encounters.
In the inter-club cricketers transfer process, Dhaka Mohammedan formed an strong team recruiting Dhaka Abahani captain and national opening batsman Tamim Iqbal after seven years along with Rakibul Hasan, Shamsur Rahman, Rony Talukder, all rounder Mehedy Hasan Miraz, spinner Taijul Islam, Jubair Hossain, Shuvashish Roy and Enamul Haque Jr
Another national all rounder Mahmudullah Riyad joined Dhaka Abahani Limited from Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club while another national opener Soumya Sarker and pacer Rubel Hossain joined Prime Bank Cricket Club, and top order national colured batsman Mominul Haque joined Gazi Group Cricketers
Earlier, Legends of Rupganj came to the limelight this season recruiting ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim.
Former national skipper Mohammad Ashraful joined Kalabagan KC on completion of three year suspension.
World number one all rounder Shakib Al Hasan and cutter master Mustafizur Rahman now busy in Indian Premier League (IPL).
Maximum three national pool players are allowed to play for a team in a match this season while only one foreign cricketer will be entitled to play for a team in a match, organized by Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM)
National cricketers have an opportunity to play three or four matches for their respective teams before departing the country on April 26 for making a preparation camp in Sussex in England ahead of the tri-nation tournament in Ireland, involving hosts Ireland and New Zealand beginning on May 12.
In the 2nd round matches scheduled for Monday (Apr 17), Dhaka Abahani Limited will play Partex SC at BKSP ground-3 while Prime Doleshwar SC encounter Brothers Union Club at Fatullah Stadium and Legend of Rupganj face Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club at BKSP ground-4.
On the following day (Apr 18), Victoria SC will play Gazi Group Cricketers at Fatullah Stadium while Dhaka Mohammedan SC meet Kalabagan KC at BKSP ground-4 and Prime Bank CC face Khelaghar SKS at BKSP ground-3.
The 3rd round matches are billed for April 20 and 21.
