BPL 12 TIDBITS

Rajshahi warm up well

Rajshahi Warriors opened their Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 preparations with a five-wicket victory over Rangpur Riders at the Bashundhara Sports Complex yesterday. Bowling first, Rajshahi's Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain took two wickets each to limit Rangpur to 136-5 despite a 58-run effort from Rangpur's Iftekhar Ifti. In reply, Rajshahi chased the target in 18.1 overs, led by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (32) and Tanzid Hasan Tamim (31).

'Names don't mean anything' for Arthur

Rangpur Riders head coach Mickey Arthur arrived mid-match yesterday, noting the "tough selection calls" ahead for his deep squad. With a top order featuring Litton Das, Dawid Malan, and Tawhid Hridoy, Arthur emphasised that "names don't mean anything" and selection will be based strictly on "performance."
The coach is also focused on consistency to avoid a repeat of last season's collapse, where the team "fell off the cliff" after an eight-game winning streak. With nine foreign stars competing for only four spots, Arthur is looking for a squad that can maintain momentum through the finals.

Hasan targets World Cup via BPL show

During the team's opening session in Purbachal, Noakhali Express pacer Hasan Mahmud labeled the BPL a "good platform to prove myself" as he targets a return to the national squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Miraz joins Sylhet as foreign stars loom

Sylhet Titans concluded match-scenario drills in Sylhet, marked by Mehidy Hasan Miraz's first training session. The squad expects its foreign contingent to arrive starting Tuesday.