Tag: BPL 2026

SYLHET: Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf delivered a devastating spell with the ball to steer Rangpur Riders to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chattogram Royals in the fifth match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 here on Monday.

Asked to bat first, Chattogram Royals never found momentum and were bundled out for 102 in 17.5 overs.

Opener Mohammad Naim provided the only real resistance, smashing a brisk 39 off just 20 balls, laced with seven boundaries and a six.

Mirza Baig added 20 from 24 deliveries, but the rest of the batting unit folded cheaply as Rangpur’s bowlers tightened the noose.

Faheem was the standout performer, ripping through the Royals’ middle and lower order with sensational figures of 5 for 17 in 3.5 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He was well supported by Mustafizur Rahman, who picked up two wickets, while Nahid Rana, Al Islam and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with a wicket apiece to ensure Chattogram never recovered.

Rangpur’s chase was equally authoritative. Openers Dawid Malan and Litton Das put the result beyond doubt with a fluent 91-run stand at the top.

Litton fell for 47 off 31 balls, striking four fours and two sixes, while Malan anchored the innings with a composed 51 from 48 deliveries, including five boundaries and a pair of sixes.

Although Mukidul Islam briefly lifted Chattogram’s hopes with figures of 2 for 5 in two overs, Rangpur Riders remained in complete control

Khushdil Shah and Mahmudullah calmly finished the job, guiding the Riders home in 15 overs to seal a comprehensive victory.

READ: ICC rates MCG pitch ‘unsatisfactory’ after two-day Ashes Test

SYLHET: An all-round effort led by Imad Wasim and Abdullah Al Mamun guided Dhaka Capitals to a comfortable victory over Rajshahi Warriors in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clash at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Opting to field first, Dhaka Capitals struck immediately as Imad delivered a perfect start, dismissing Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan with the very first ball of the innings.

Rajshahi skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, fresh off an unbeaten century in the previous match, tried to steady the innings and emerged as the top-scorer with 37 off 28 balls, laced with two fours and as many sixes.

However, Rajshahi failed to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals against a disciplined bowling display.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Mushfiqur Rahim chipped in with 24 off 23 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 26 off 26 deliveries.

Rajshahi Warriors were eventually restricted to 132 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Imad Wasim was the standout with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 16.

Nasir Hossain picked up two wickets, while Salman Mirza, Ziaur Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin claimed one apiece to keep Rajshahi in check.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

In reply, Dhaka Capitals suffered an early setback as opener Saif Hassan was dismissed for one in the second over.

Abdullah Al Mamun then took charge of the chase, anchoring the innings with a composed 45 off 39 balls, including five boundaries and a six, to put his side firmly in control.

After Mamun’s dismissal, Sabbir Rahman played a brisk cameo of 21 off just 10 deliveries, sealing the chase in style with a towering six, as Dhaka Capitals crossed the target with ease.

For Rajshahi Warriors, Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up one each.

READ: Steve Smith opens up after first Ashes home Test loss for 15 years

Tragedy struck the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Saturday as Dhaka Capitals assistant coach, Mahbub Ali Zaki, collapsed just before the clash against Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet and later passed away.

The incident occurred during pre-match preparations, roughly 20 minutes before the scheduled start.

Players from both teams were warming up near their dressing rooms when Zaki suddenly fell ill and collapsed.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

Emergency medical attention was administered immediately, including CPR, before he was rushed to Al Haramain Hospital in Sylhet.

Despite intensive care efforts and being moved to the hospital’s ICU, Zaki, a seasoned domestic cricket coach, could not be saved and succumbed to a heart attack.

Dhaka Capitals confirmed the heartbreaking news through an official statement on social media, expressing profound grief over the loss.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It is with great sadness to we inform you that our dear assistant coach of the Dhaka Capitals family has left us after suffering from heart disease,” the franchise wrote on Facebook.

“We are deeply saddened by this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”

READ: Former Pakistan pacer slams Babar Azam over BBL struggles

SYLHET: Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered a statement performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 opener, striking a composed yet commanding century to lead Rajshahi Warriors to a convincing victory over Sylhet Titans on Friday.

Chasing a competitive target of 191, Rajshahi suffered an early setback when opener Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for 10 in the third over with just 19 runs on the board.

Shanto then took control of the chase, first steadying the innings alongside Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan.

The pair added 43 runs for the second wicket before Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the stand, removing Farhan for a scratchy 20 off 19 balls.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Veteran wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim joined his skipper, and the duo completely shifted the momentum with a match-winning, unbeaten partnership of 130 runs off just 71 deliveries.

Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the chase with an assured 101 not out from 60 balls, laced with ten boundaries and five sixes, while Mushfiqur provided the finishing touches with a fluent 51* off 31 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

Rajshahi Warriors crossed the line comfortably, underlining their intent in their first-ever BPL outing.

Earlier, the Warriors elected to field after winning the toss against fellow debutants Sylhet Titans on a day that began on an emotional note.

Before the first ball of the season, players from both teams, match officials, and fans observed a minute’s silence as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) paid tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

Batting first, Sylhet Titans made a strong start through Pakistan opener Saim Ayub, who struck a brisk 28 off 15 balls before falling to Binura Fernando.

Rony Talukdar played the anchor role at the other end, scoring 41 off 34 deliveries before Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane dismissed him.

The innings gained further momentum through a rapid 86-run stand between Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain.

Afif was run out after a quickfire 33 off 19 balls, but Emon carried his bat superbly, finishing unbeaten on 65 from 33 deliveries, which included four fours and five sixes. Sylhet posted a competitive 190 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

READ: Josh Tongue ends 27-year wait with MCG five-wicket haul

SYLHET: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 season began on a sombre note on Friday as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) paid tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi ahead of the tournament’s opening match in Sylhet.

Before the first ball was bowled in the season opener between debutants Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans, players from both teams, match officials, and spectators observed a minute’s silence in memory of Hadi.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bangladesh Cricket : Tigers (@bangladeshtigers)

Fans inside the stadium joined in prayer, creating a poignant moment that underlined the national impact of his death.

Hadi, who passed away on December 18, 2025, was a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising and was widely regarded as one of the emerging voices of the country’s youth politics.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

He served as a spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha, translated as the “Platform for Revolution,” and was preparing to contest the upcoming general elections as a parliamentary candidate from Dhaka-8’s Bijoynagar constituency.

The 32-year-old succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Singapore, where he had been undergoing treatment following an assassination attempt earlier this month in Dhaka.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The BCB’s decision to honour Hadi at the BPL opener was seen as a gesture of solidarity, acknowledging his influence beyond politics and recognising his standing as a symbol of youth activism in the country.

The tribute marked the start of a new BPL season that brings significant changes to the league’s landscape.

The 2025–26 edition features several new franchises, including Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Sylhet Titans and Noakhali Express. Established sides Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders also return to the tournament.

READ: Here’s why Abrar Ahmed pulled out of BPL 2025-26

Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will not feature in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 after sources clarified the circumstances behind his unexpected withdrawal from the tournament.

Abrar had been picked by Chattogram Royals for the 12th edition of the BPL, but it has now emerged that his inclusion in the auction took place without his prior approval.

According to sources, the franchise listed Abrar in the players’ auction despite not securing his consent. When contacted by the team after the auction, the spinner made it clear that he had not agreed to participate in the league.

Following the clarification, Chattogram Royals opted to move on and have since informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of the situation, replacing Abrar with an alternative signing ahead of the tournament.

The development came amid strong Pakistani interest at the BPL players’ auction held on November 30, where several emerging talents attracted notable bids.

Fast bowler Ihsanullah emerged as the most expensive Pakistani signing, with Noakhali Express securing his services for USD 28,000 in the Category C foreign players segment.

Ihsanullah has previously represented Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is and had earlier been associated with Rangpur Riders, though he did not feature in a match for them.

Middle-order batter Haider Ali was also picked by Noakhali Express for USD 20,000.

The 23-year-old has played 37 international matches for Pakistan and brings prior BPL experience, having scored 213 runs in 13 games at an average of 26.62, including a highest score of 48 not out.

All-rounder Jahandad Khan, who made his T20I debut against Australia last November and has featured in eight T20Is so far, was acquired by Durbar Rajshahi for USD 20,000 in the same category.

These three players will join a group of five Pakistan cricketers who were directly signed before the auction.

Saim Ayub and Mohammad Amir have been roped in by Sylhet Titans, Usman Khan will represent Dhaka Capitals, Khawaja Nafay has signed with Rangpur Riders, while Sahibzada Farhan will turn out for Rajshahi Warriors.

READ: Boxing Day Ashes Test sets cricket attendance record at MCG

Several Pakistan cricketers are unlikely to be available for the full duration of the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season 12 due to overlapping international commitments, sources revealed on Thursday.

A strong group of Pakistan players has been picked by various franchises for the new BPL season, including Saim Ayub, Khawaja Nafay, Sufiyan Muqeem, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Ihsanullah, Haider Ali, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Amir.

However, their extended stay in the tournament now appears uncertain.

According to sources, it is “highly unlikely” that centrally contracted players will be cleared for the entire BPL window.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also weighing the option of restricting No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players who are permanent members of Pakistan’s T20I setup.

While all requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, sources emphasized that the board has not yet issued any outright refusals.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The BPL is scheduled to run from December 26, 2025, to January 23, 2026, a period that directly clashes with Pakistan’s international calendar.

During the same window, Pakistan are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series, followed by a home T20I series against Australia later in January.

Franchises participating in the BPL have already been informed of the potential uncertainty regarding the availability of Pakistan players and may consider backup options accordingly.

Sources noted that players such as Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed are now considered regular members of Pakistan’s T20I core, further complicating their chances of featuring throughout the tournament.

Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka is scheduled for January 7, 9 and 11 in Dambulla and will form a key part of preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India from February 7 to March 8.

Following the Sri Lanka tour, Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan for a three-match T20I series at the end of January.

READ: Oval Invincibles renamed MI London in latest Hundred franchise deal

Pakistan’s fast bowler, Ihsanullah, all-rounder Jahandad Khan and middle-order batter Haider Ali were among the notable overseas signings at the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) players’ auction for the 2026 season, held in Dhaka on Sunday.

The upcoming edition of the tournament is scheduled to run from December 26, 2025, to January 23, 2026, and will mark a major structural shift, with the number of participating teams reduced from seven to five.

Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders will continue, while Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans enter the league under new ownership following the exit of their previous franchises. Defending champions Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers will not feature this season.

Among the Pakistan recruits, Ihsanullah attracted the highest bid after being picked up by Noakhali Express for USD 28,000 in Category C of foreign players.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The right-arm pacer has previously represented Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is and is set for a fresh start after going unsighted in an earlier stint with Rangpur Riders.

Haider Ali was also snapped up by the same franchise for USD 20,000. The 24-year-old brings solid international experience with 37 appearances for Pakistan and has already featured in 13 BPL matches, scoring 213 runs with a highest score of 48 not out.

Meanwhile, Jahandad Khan, who made his T20I debut against Australia last November and has since played eight internationals, will turn out for Rajshahi Warriors after being picked for USD 20,000 in the same category.

The latest auction additions take the number of Pakistan players in this year’s BPL to nine. Usman Khan has been directly signed by Dhaka Capitals, while Chattogram Royals have secured Abrar Ahmed.

Sylhet Titans have brought in Saim Ayub along with experienced pacer Mohammad Amir.

Rangpur Riders, on the other hand, have acquired young wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, while Rajshahi Warriors have also roped in top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan.

READ: Kane Williamson bolsters New Zealand for West Indies Test series

Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Test captain Shan Masood, and veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik are among the 42 Pakistan cricketers registered for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 auction.

The BPL players’ auction is set for November 30, with 245 overseas players already categorised for the event.

Meanwhile, the tournament is scheduled to be played from 26 December 2025 and will conclude on 23 January 2026.

The BPL 2026 will see a reduction in teams from seven to five. Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders remain, while Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Sylhet Titans enter under new ownership after Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, and Sylhet Strikers exited.

Defending champions Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers will not participate this season.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the participating teams but has yet to release details regarding the new ownership structures.

The auction will feature 245 overseas players across five categories, A, B, C, D, and E, from which franchises will select talent for the season.

Ahead of the auction, several players have already been directly signed by franchises.

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed joins the newly rebranded Chattogram Royals, while opening batter Saim Ayub has been secured by Sylhet Titans, alongside Moeen Ali, Mohammad Amir, and Azmatullah Omarzai.

International stars have also been pre-signed, including England’s Alex Hales and Pakistan’s Usman Khan by Dhaka Capitals, and Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis by Noakhali Express.

Pakistan players registered for BPL 2026 auction

Category A

• Abdul Samad – Batter
• Zaman Khan – Bowler
• Mohammad Hasnain – Bowler
• Usama Mir – Bowler
• Shoaib Malik – Allrounder
• Shan Masood – Batter
• Salman Ali Agha – Allrounder
• Mohammad Wasim – Allrounder
• Mohammad Haris – Wicketkeeper
• Aamer Jamal – Allrounder

Category B

• Asif Ali – Batter
• Salman Mirza – Bowler
• Saud Shakeel – Batter

Category C

• Ali Raza – Bowler
• Jahandad Khan – Allrounder
• Haider Ali – Batter
• Khurram Shahzad – Bowler
• Abdullah Shafique – Batter
• Zafar Gohar – Allrounder
• Bilawal Bhatti – Allrounder

Category D

• Mehran Mumtaz – Allrounder
• Usman Qadir – Bowler
• Mir Hamza – Bowler
• Muhammad Ali Dazy – Bowler
• Irfan Khan Niazi – Batter
• Arif Yaqoob – Bowler
• Ahmed Daniyal – Allrounder

Category E

• Asad Raza – Bowler
• Tayyab Abbas – Bowler
• Ammad Butt – Allrounder
• Ammad Alam – Batter
• Yasir Khan – Batter
• Muhammad Akhlaq – Wicketkeeper
• Mohammad Zeeshan – Bowler
• Mohammad Imran Jr – Bowler
• Zia ul Hasan – Allrounder
• Mamoon Imtiaz – Bowler
• Rumman Raees – Bowler
• Saad Baig – Wicketkeeper
• Arafat Minhas – Allrounder
• Tayyab Tahir – Batter
• Salman Fayyaz – Bowler

READ: Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub among pre-auction picks for BPL 2026

Pakistan’s spinner Abrar Ahmed and opening batter Saim Ayub are among the first players to be directly signed by franchises ahead of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 auction.

The BPL players’ auction is set for November 30, with 245 overseas players already categorised for the event.

Meanwhile, the tournament is scheduled to be played from 26 December 2025 and will conclude on 23 January 2026.

The BPL 2026 will see a reduction in teams from seven to five. Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders remain, while Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Sylhet Titans enter under new ownership after Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, and Sylhet Strikers exited.

Defending champions Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers will not participate this season.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the participating teams but has yet to release details regarding the new ownership structures.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Abrar Ahmed has been picked up by the newly rebranded Chattogram Royals, marking a return to the BPL for the Pakistan spinner, who played a solitary match for Comilla Victorians in the 2023 edition.

Saim Ayub, meanwhile, has joined Sylhet Titans, who have also signed England’s Moeen Ali, veteran pacer Mohammad Amir, and Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai.

Mohammad Amir, a veteran left-arm pacer, brings extensive experience, having taken 52 wickets in 36 BPL matches at an economy rate of 6.36 over four seasons.

Among other marquee pre-auction signings, Dhaka Capitals have secured England’s Alex Hales and Pakistan’s Usman Khan, while Noakhali Express have picked up Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis.

Usman Khan boasts an impressive BPL record, scoring 581 runs in 19 matches across two seasons at a strike rate of 148.97, including three fifties and two centuries.

READ: Australia announce squad for pink-ball Ashes Test