Star-less NCL rolls into action

The National Cricket League (NCL) will begin without the country's star cricketers despite a series of upgrades, including doubled match fees, baggy caps, helmets carrying divisional team logos and special blazers for captains. Due to the national team's busy international schedule, the first two rounds of the country's premier first-class competition will be played without national stars.

Once regarded as the most prestigious first-class tournament in the country, the NCL had at one stage earned the label of “picnic cricket”. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has now taken several initiatives to change that perception and make the competition more competitive and attractive.

The match fee for cricketers has been increased to Tk 150,000, double the previous amount. Helmets carrying divisional team logos have been provided to each of the eight teams. Separate blazers have also been designed for the captains of the eight divisions. Players will additionally receive baggy caps.

This season's NCL will be played with Kookaburra Test balls worth 140 US dollars. The new domestic cricket season will get underway on Saturday with four matches at four venues. The tournament will be inaugurated separately at each venue.

Defending champions Rangpur Division will take on Dhaka Division at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Sylhet Division will face Mymensingh Division at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Khulna Division will host Barishal Division, while Chattogram Division will meet Rajshahi Division at the Sagorika in Chattogram.

Despite the improvements in organisation and facilities, the NCL will begin without its biggest names. National team cricketers will be unavailable for the opening two rounds because of international commitments. As a result, even with higher match fees and several new initiatives, the absence of national stars remains the biggest talking point of the opening phase of this year's competition.