BPL 12 begins in style

The 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League T20 (BPL) got underway in spectacular fashion yesterday as Rajshahi Warriors edged Sylhet Titans in a high-scoring thriller at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, pushing aside the off-field chaos that marked the tournament's build-up.

Despite widespread concerns over organisational issues ahead of the opening day, the tournament began smoothly, offering several positives for organisers and fans alike.

The competition was officially launched in the presence of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul, with a brief opening ceremony featuring a minute's silence in memory of late youth activist and July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Smoke flares and balloon releases added colour to the occasion.

The 18,000-capacity stadium was packed to the rafters, and the crowd was treated to a run-fest, highlighted by the tournament's first century from Rajshahi skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto. Shanto smashed an unbeaten 101 off 60 balls, striking 10 fours and five sixes, and shared an unbroken 130-run partnership off just 71 balls with Mushfiqur Rahim, who remained not out on 51 off 31 deliveries. Rajshahi chased down the target to finish on 192 for two in 19.4 overs.

Earlier, Sylhet Titans posted a competitive 190 for five after being sent in to bat, riding on Parvez Hossain Emon's unbeaten 65 off 33 balls. Rony Talukdar and Afif Hossain chipped in with 41 and 33, respectively.

BCB also arranged a cultural programme between the two opening-day matches. Actress Tanjin Tisha's dance performance was followed by a musical show by Fuad Almuqtadir and his team, before the evening concluded with a light show and fireworks.

In the second match of the day, Chattogram Royals avoided further embarrassment by fielding the mandatory two foreign players -- Pakistan's Mirza Tahir Baig and Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Masood Gurbaz -- against Noakhali Express. According to BPL bylaws, teams must include a minimum of two and a maximum of four overseas players in the playing eleven.

The board took over the franchise a day before the tournament when owners Triangle Services Limited withdrew, citing financial difficulties. Compounding the poor build-up, the captains' photoshoot was cancelled as the trophy failed to arrive in Bangladesh.

However, once the action moved to the field, quality cricket finally brought much-needed relief as the BPL began on an encouraging note.