The 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League will kick off on December 30, with defending champions Fortune Barishal taking on Durbar Rajshahi in the curtain raiser at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Just days before the face-off, Rajshahi's wicketkeeper-batter Akbar Ali opted for a more cautious approach while talking about his team's pre-tournament goals while Barishal's off-spinner Nayeem Hasan announced that his team is determined to retain their title.

"Of course, we want to do well in the tournament. But the first target will be to confirm the playoff berth. We're not thinking too far ahead right now," Akbar told reporters after Rajshahi completed their first practice session at the National Cricket Academy Ground in Mirpur on Friday.

"You should always be optimistic about achieving the ultimate success. We are hopeful about the team we have, I we are a decent unit. If we can play to our potential, we can beat any team on any given day," Akbar concluded.

The two-hour-long practice session started in the morning where local cricketers including Taskin Ahmed, Anamul Haque Bijoy and Yasir Ali, took part.

Barishal, on the other hand, have formed a star-studded team with local stars like Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy and Rishad Hossain and an impressive lineup of foreign recruits which include Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan, Mohammad Nabi, Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Nayeem, boosted by the strength and depth of his side, had an air of confidence about him when speaking about his team's prospects.

"The team environment is really good. We were champions last year and we want to replicate it this year as well," Nayeem told reporters after an intra-squad match scenario practice at the PKSP on Friday.

"The competition among the players in the team is very high and I think it's good for the team. Everyone has to give their 100 percent on the field. When the competition is high, the team's result automatically improves," he added.

Rajshahi will face Barishal in the opening match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.