The curtain raiser of Dhaka domestic season will be named Tibet Federation Cup, informed Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) vice-president Sirajul Islam Bachchu yesterday. The sponsors will provide Tk 10 lakh, he said.

Meanwhile, the preparing the pitch at the Bir Shreshtha Shahid Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamlapur is underway in anticipation of a February 17 start to the knockout qualifying stages.

A total of 25 teams, 20 from Premier League and First Division and five services teams, will take part in the meet.

Defending champions Mukti-joddha Sangsad, runners-up Moha-mmedan Sporting Club, losing semifinalists Abahani and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra and National and Premier League winners Brothers Union are automatic qualifiers for the final round.

Three qualifiers will join the big guns for the final phase, which will be staged the Bangabandhu National Stadium.