Bashundhara Kings, Abahani lead action as BFL second phase restarts

Finally, the Bangladesh Football League 2025-26 second phase is set to roll on the ground this Friday, ending months of uncertainty for clubs and fans alike.

Round 10 will kick off with four exciting matches, all starting at 2:45pm. 

On Friday, table-toppers Bashundhara Kings will take on PWD Sports Club at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka, Abahani Limited will face Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society at Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla, Arambagh Krira Shangha will clash with Fakirerpool YMC at Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj, and Bangladesh Police FC will meet Brothers Union at Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur.

The first phase of the league concluded on 3 January, followed by a month-long mid-season transfer window.

While the second leg schedule was initially announced, it was postponed due to the national election and requests from law enforcement agencies, leaving clubs in limbo for weeks.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has now confirmed the restart for 6 March.

Meanwhile, after just two rounds, the league will pause temporarily to allow the national team to prepare for their final AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Singapore on 31 March.

Head coach Javier Cabrera will begin the national team training camp on 15 March, prompting the BFF to avoid scheduling league matches after 14 March.

This unusual setup means clubs will play only two matches before enduring nearly a month-long break.

The league will then resume on 10 April and continue uninterrupted until the season concludes on 23 May, with matches typically scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Federation Cup will follow a similar pattern, with a short pause after 10 March matches before resuming on 7 April, and the final set for 19 May.

The Kings currently lead the table with 18 points, tied with Fortis FC, while Rahmatganj sit third with 15 points from nine matches.

Defending champions Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd are currently sixth with 10 points.

With the second phase finally underway, fans can expect thrilling battles as clubs fight for supremacy in what promises to be a fiercely contested title race.