Mushfiqur’s unique homecoming as NCL T20 begins

Mushfiqur Rahim -- one of Bogura's proudest sons -- will take the field at the district's Shaheed Chandu Stadium on the opening game of the second edition of National Cricket League T20 (NCL T20) today, but not for the home division Rajshahi.

He will play for Sylhet Division against holders Rangpur Division while Rajshahi Division will take on last year's runners-up Dhaka Metro at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium in the day's other match.

The 38-year-old, who began his domestic career playing for Sylhet Division but returned to his home division of Rajshahi early in his career, has shifted his allegiance back to Sylhet this year.

But having Mushfiqur as an opponent has not dampened the spirits of the local fans who are excited to see top class cricket returning to Bogura.

Despite being an international stadium, the Chandu Stadium has not hosted an international match since 2006, only hosting a handful of four-day matches of NCL and Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) in the last 19 years.

The excitement of getting to see NCL T20 matches in Bogura reached another local boy Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who is now in Abu Dhabi representing Bangladesh in the ongoing Asia Cup.

"It feels so nostalgic and wonderful to see this festive atmosphere in Bogura… I request everyone from Bogura to buy tickets and attend in huge numbers to enjoy the tournament," Tanzid posted in his official Facebook page few hours before Bangladesh's game against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sylhet's head coach Rajin Saleh was relieved to have someone as experienced as Mushfiqur in the side to strengthen the batting department.

"Our batting is perhaps the weakest link in the team. Apart from Mushfiqur and Zakir [Hasan], we don't have T20 players in the batting department. Hopefully, Mushfiqur's inclusion will motivate the young players and they will learn a lot from him in the dressing room," Saleh told The Daily Star yesterday.

The opening three rounds of NCL T20 will run between September 14 and 19 in Rajshahi and Bogura. All eight teams will then move to Sylhet for the remaining matches. The final will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on October 3.