Mymensingh set for NCL debut

Mymensingh Division are set to make their debut in the upcoming 27th edition of the National Cricket League (NCL) four-day competition, scheduled to begin on October 25.

The newcomers will replace Dhaka Metro in the eight-team tournament, according to the fixture announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) tournament committee on Wednesday.

Mymensingh's inclusion in the country's premier first-class competition was approved earlier during the 20th meeting of the previous BCB Board of Directors held on August 9.

For their maiden outing, Mymensingh will take on reigning champions Sylhet Division in the opening round at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, while Dhaka Division face Rangpur Division at the Sylhet Outer Stadium.

In the other first-round matches, Khulna Division will host Barishal Division in Khulna, and Chattogram Division will lock horns with Rajshahi Division in Rajshahi.

In a bid to enhance player readiness for upcoming international red-ball commitments, the NCL technical committee has decided to introduce Kookaburra balls for the first two rounds, following a recommendation from the BCB's cricket operations department.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Ireland from November 11 to 23 in Mirpur and Chattogram, where Kookaburra balls will also be used. To ensure a smoother transition for national players, the same brand will be implemented in the initial phase of the domestic competition.

The first two rounds of the NCL are slated to be held between October 25 and November 4. The remaining five rounds will revert to using Duke balls, as in previous editions.