Focus shift on BPL as teams start training

Dhaka, 26 Dec -The hype of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20

hits the fever pitch as the teams start their practice session officially
today to prepare them for 50-day long tournament.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) unveiled the youth festival ceremony and
unmasked of mascot before staging a music fest to announce the arrival of the
BPL. The show got some fulfillment when the teams kick-started their practice
session.

The tournament will kick off on December 30. Initially some matches will be
held in Dhaka before Sylhet and Chattogram host a considerable amount of
matches. The playoffs and final will be held in Dhaka though.

Chittagong Kings completed their practice session today under the supervision
of former Australian speedster Shaun Tait at the National Cricket Academy
Ground in Mirpur. Tait had featured for the same franchise during his playing
days.

Dhaka Capitals also started its practice session at the same venue under the
watchful eyes of former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud Sujon. The teams
practiced at the separate time.

Defending champions Fortune Barishal, Durbar Rajshahi, and recent Global
Super League winners Rangpur Riders will kick-start their training on Friday,
with Barishal gearing up for BPL's 11th edition at the PKSP in Rupganj.
Rangpur Riders will train at Bashundhara Sports City.

The other two franchises, Sylhet Strikers and Khulna Tigers, will begin their
preparations on December 28.