Inside the long silence that shapes Bangladesh cricket

For more than two decades, the National Cricket League (NCL) has stood as Bangladesh’s most traditional and meaningful first-class competition — a tournament that shapes careers, tests temperament, and builds the country’s long-format identity. While it rarely commands the spotlight enjoyed by white-ball cricket, the NCL remains the primary arena where players learn discipline, endurance, and the pure grind of four-day cricket.

This year’s edition proved one of the most competitive in recent memory, with five teams still in contention deep into the season. In the end, Rangpur Division emerged as champions, securing a historic and hard-earned title in a campaign defined by narrow finishes and fluctuating fortunes.

Daily Sun spoke to several of the country’s most accomplished first-class performers — along with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) — to explore what the league means to them and what its evolving landscape reveals about the future of Bangladesh’s red-ball cricket.

Naeem Islam: A champion’s perspective on a changing NCL

“I’ve been playing NCL since 2004,” Rangpur’s senior batter Naeem Islam said. “Over the years, the biggest change has been the playing surfaces. We used to play on many turning wickets, but now most are batting-friendly. Competition has always existed, but this season was unique: three to four teams, even five, were genuinely in the title race. I’ve never seen such an equation before.”

For Rangpur, the title demanded grit. They suffered an innings defeat in the previous round, yet responded with conviction in the most decisive phase of the season.

“That’s why becoming champions felt special,” Naeem said. “Our batters didn’t score big, but our bowlers were outstanding. We’re proud of how we performed as a team.”

He reflected on the unique challenges of Rangpur’s home conditions. “Because we play many games in Rajshahi and Bogura, where fast-bowling pitches dominate, high scores are rare. Sylhet is also tough to get results unless you outplay them. That’s why we always know the challenge.”

For Naeem, who has spent nearly two decades in the league, first-class cricket is an identity — a matter of pride. “Representing my division feels like representing my home and family. People used to mock the NCL as ‘picnic cricket’, but I never understood that. From my first season under Pilot bhai — a very disciplined captain — I learnt professionalism. I always share this with younger players: talent isn’t enough; discipline is everything if you want to play long. Our young players are eager to learn. Give them a year or two, and they’ll be much better.”

Marshal Ayub: Crossing 10,000 runs and redefining value

Marshal Ayub’s season was shaped by one of the most significant milestones in Bangladesh’s domestic history. Before the campaign began, he knew he was approaching the 10,000-run mark — and planned accordingly.

“Alhamdulillah, I reached the milestone,” he said. “It feels great because this is a big achievement for our cricket, and we hope the next generation will surpass it.”

Marshal believes the perception of red-ball specialists in Bangladesh is slowly evolving. “Compared to other countries, we’re still behind in how we value first-class and Test players. But that culture is slowly shifting. In recent years, senior players have started receiving more respect. There are retirement ceremonies, acknowledgements — things we never saw before.”

His milestone triggered an overwhelming response. “So many people called or messaged me. It shows that if we highlight first-class and Test cricket properly, audiences will also grow.”

Marshal belongs to the generation shaped by the earliest long-format stalwarts. “Players like Rajin bhai, Alok da, Sazzad bhai — they were the early generation. They left early because back then there were fewer matches, and the home-and-away formats were different. We learnt from them that longevity matters. That mindset kept me going in first-class cricket for so many years.”

Tushar Imran: Guiding the next custodians of Bangladesh’s first-class legacy

Few names symbolise first-class excellence in Bangladesh like Tushar Imran. As the former domestic run machine transitions into coaching, his reflections on Khulna’s campaign come with equal parts pride and realism.

“The season wasn’t bad for us — we were still in the race till the last moment,” he said. “Competition has definitely increased, but Khulna have suffered in recent years. Since Raj bhai retired, we’ve lacked a quality spinner. To win matches, you need 20 wickets, and our bowling resources have become thin.”

The decline has been gradual and unavoidable. “Many of our fast bowlers retired — Rubel, Dollar, Shariful — and Al-Amin couldn’t play this season. Without bowlers, you suffer. National team players also miss matches due to their duties. If we could field our full-strength XI, results would be different.”

Injuries further strained Khulna’s campaign. “We begin a season with a full attack, but injuries reduce our options. The last match especially exposed this.”

Even when the national team door closed, his drive never faded. “I was driven to maintain my place in the first-class XI. No one — not even a national star — could take that No. 4 spot from me.”

Now, as a coach, Tushar sees his role as a continuation of the legacy he helped build. “First-class records stay for ever; globally, first-class achievements carry great value. I take pride in knowing I contributed and that my teammates could learn something from me.”

Enamul Haque Jr: 510 wickets, hard lessons and the soul of Sylhet cricket

For former left-arm spinner Enamul Haque Jr, now based in the United Kingdom, the NCL is not just a tournament — it is where he grew up. His memories stretch back to the nerves of his very first match.

“I still remember my debut against Barishal — I was extremely nervous, and Rajin bhai and Parvez bhai guided me on how to survive and grow in first-class cricket,” he said. “I’m grateful to them, as well as to our managers Arman bhai and Mawdud bhai.”

Wickets kept him going — 510 of them for Sylhet. “I enjoyed first-class cricket because I always had the hunger for wickets,” he said.

He believes Bangladesh could have produced more Test cricketers with stronger early structures. “If our first-class system had been stronger earlier, we would have produced many more Test players by now.”

The financial realities, he said, were stark. “Back then we played for a daily allowance of 400 taka. Slowly things improved to match fees, but I still think remuneration is low. If match fees and facilities improve, the quality of first-class cricket will rise.”

But Sylhet remained home — and pride. “I loved representing Sylhet. I am proud that I could contribute 510 wickets for them. First-class cricket is always the pinnacle for any Test nation.”

BCB perspective: Building a sustainable First-Class ecosystem

Daily Sun also spoke to Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury, chairman of the BCB Tournament Committee, about the season’s significance and future plans.

“We are proud to host an NCL that was genuinely competitive — we really didn’t know who would emerge as champion,” he said. “That’s a hallmark of a successful tournament in my mind.”

Looking ahead, the BCB hopes to raise the competition’s standing.

“We are planning to make it even bigger in the coming years. Our goal is to make the NCL our flagship tournament. If our first-class structure gets sorted, every sector of our cricket will benefit — from national selections to the development of young talent. We hope to achieve that.”