Abahani’s Mosaddek eyes DPL title defence, national comeback

Abahani Limited skipper Mosaddek Hossain said his side will be aiming to retain their Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) title, while he also hopes to make a return to the national team through strong performances in the upcoming tournament.

Under Mosaddek’s leadership, Abahani clinched their 24th DPL title last season. The traditional powerhouse will once again be among the favourites when the 12-team league begins on May 4 across six venues.

Abahani have built a balanced squad this year, blending experience with youth. They retained several key players from last season’s title-winning campaign, including Mosaddek himself, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jishan Alam, S M Mehrab Hasan, Rakibul Hasan, and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby.

The club also strengthened their lineup during the players’ transfer window held on April 18–19, bringing in notable names such as Soumya Sarkar, Khaled Ahmed, Sabbir Rahman, Jaker Ali, Maruf Mridha, Anik Sarkar, Rohanat Doullah Borson, Sabbir Hosan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, and Iqbal Hossain Emon.

“Goal is to play well… deliver results,” Mosaddek told reporters in Mirpur on Wednesday following a practice session, adding that clubs like Abahani and Mohammedan “always aim for the title”.

The all-rounder also pointed to the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) focus on the league as a pathway back to the national setup.

“Those who perform well… will have a good opportunity to return,” he said, adding that such performances would “benefit me personally” after scoring 487 runs and taking 30 wickets last season.

Mosaddek revealed that he is likely to continue batting in the middle order this season.

“Probably… around five or six,” he said, aiming to meet “the current requirements of the national team”.

He also pointed out that the absence of the Super League phase -- where “teams get a chance to bounce back even if they drop points early” -- this season will make the competition tougher.

Apart from Abahani, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club, and Legends of Rupganj have also assembled strong squads on paper ahead of the tournament. Teams have already begun their preparations for the season.