Bangladesh’s cricket fraternity is mourning the sudden demise of Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki and are sending in their condolences for the revered local coach.

Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki has passed away after collapsing on the field during the team’s pre-match practice session at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Chattogram Royals captain Mahedi Hasan admitted he had never experienced such instability in a franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after leading his side to a 65-run win over Noakhali Express at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Rajshahi Warriors captain Najmul Hossain Shanto celebrated with a pumped fist and the customary air kiss off the bat after marking a match-winning century in Sylhet yesterday. More than a milestone, it was a determined effort to seize an opportunity in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) he had

Despite widespread concerns over organisational issues ahead of the opening day, the tournament began smoothly, offering several positives for organisers and fans alike.

Tanvir Ahmed and skipper Shak Mahedi Hasan delivered dominant performances as Chattogram Royals began their Bangladesh Premier League campaign with a comprehensive 65-run victory over Noakhali Express at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday evening, on the opening day of the tournament.

Chattogram Royals narrowly avoided further embarrassment on Friday by meeting the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) requirement of fielding at least two foreign players in their opening match against Noakhali Express in Sylhet.

Shanto produced an unbeaten 101 off 60 balls, smashing 10 fours and five sixes, and forged an unbroken 130-run partnership off just 71 deliveries with Mushfiqur Rahim.

As the tournament gets underway at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday, controversies continue to surface despite repeated assurances of a smoothly run event.

Noakhali Express head coach Khaled Mahmud and assistant coach Talha Jubair returned to training on Thursday after briefly walking out midway through the session over a shortage of facilities, with the issue later resolved following discussions with the franchise and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) remains without a title sponsor, with no official announcement made a day before the start of the tournament.

A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official on Thursday said that the board has taken over the Chattogram Royals franchise following a withdrawal letter submitted by the franchise owner, just a day before the start of the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The grand opening ceremony in Dhaka had already been scrapped owing to security concerns, and on Wednesday, the pre-season captain’s photoshoot with the trophy was also been canned. Even amid all this, the players remain hopeful of a vibrant BPL.

As things stand, Chattogram now have only two foreign signings - Delport, who last featured in a top franchise league back in 2021-22, and Ghulam from Pakistan.

The franchise confirmed the matter through their official Facebook page on Tuesday where they welcomed the 19-year-old uncapped opening batter from Afghanistan.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are set for a board meeting on Wednesday and BCB president Aminul Islam claimed the board is keeping a close watch on proceedings with security issues prevalent across the country.

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.

ILT20’s league phase matches run until December 28, with playoffs and the final scheduled between December 30 and January 4.

Rangpur Riders head coach Mickey Arthur had a busy day getting to grips with the assignment ahead having joined the franchise today.

The first phase of the tournament will be held in Sylhet, where 24 matches will be played over six matchdays, concluding on January 2, 2026.