‘No bigger joy than playing’: DPL player transfer begins

The Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) office at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, usually quiet throughout the year, turned into a hub of activity on Saturday, the opening day of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) transfer window.

A total of 79 cricketers completed transfers, both online and in person, by the end of the first day of the two-day window. A good number of players and media were present at the venue from the morning.

This year’s transfer window carried added significance amid earlier uncertainty over the league, following a boycott threat from clubs that had questioned the legitimacy of the Aminul Islam-led board. The situation eased after the board was replaced by an ad hoc committee headed by Tamim Iqbal, paving the way for the league’s continuation.

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS SHAPE TRANSFERS

The upcoming season will not feature relegation or a Super League phase, and clubs are largely expected to operate within the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Tk 25 lakh subsidy. As a result, players are reportedly set to earn reduced salaries.

Veteran player Mahmudullah Riyad, who signed for Prime Bank after ending his long association with Mohammedan Sporting Club, expressed relief, saying:
“I think the credit goes to Tamim [BCB ad hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal] because he came and took this initiative. And most importantly, at the end of the day, cricket is definitely one of our major sources of income, but cricketers always want to be on the field and play—there’s nothing bigger than that.”

MAJOR TRANSFERS AND TEAM MOVEMENTS

Defending champions Abahani and Mohammedan, along with Prime Bank Cricket Club, are expected to be the main title contenders this season.

Mohammedan strengthened their squad with Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mohammad Naim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rishad Hossain, and Ripon Mondol.

Tanzid Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib joined Prime Bank from Legends of Rupganj.

Abahani expected to retain a core group of players, including Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat. They have added Soumya Sarkar, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Sabbir Rahman, and pacer Khaled Ahmed, among others.

Newcomers Dhaka Leopards have also assembled a notable squad featuring Mominul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, and several Under-19 World Cup players.

The second and final day of the transfer window will continue at the same venue tomorrow.