New-look NCL begins with seven new faces

In the absence of national cricketers, seven players made their first-class debuts for their respective sides on the opening day of the National Cricket League 2026-27, which got underway in a festive atmosphere at four venues across the country today.

Pacer Anik Debbarma and off-spinner Nayeem Ahmed made their first-class debuts for hosts Sylhet against Mymensingh, who handed debuts to all-rounder Azijul Hakim Rony and wicketkeeper-batter Md Fahim.

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In Mirpur, leg-spinner Shadhin Islam made his debut for Rangpur against Dhaka, while wicketkeeper-batter Abdullah Shifat and top-order batter Zawad Abrar debuted for Barishal against hosts Khulna.

However, the opening day did not produce a century or a five-wicket haul, with batters largely dominating proceedings at all four venues.

In Khulna, Kalam Siddiki and skipper Mohammad Mithun missed out on centuries after scoring 92 and 89 respectively as Khulna finished the day on 328 for five against Barishal after being sent in to bat. Afif Hossain (44 not out) and Nurul Hasan Sohan (47) also made useful contributions, while Barishal pacer Ruyel Miah took three wickets.

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Rangpur captain Akbar Ali and Dhaka captain Mahidul Islam Ankon pose for a picture ahead of their opening day's play in the 2026-27 NCL in Mirpur. Photo: BCB

In Sylhet, an unbeaten 70 off 135 balls from Mahfijul Islam and 46 each from Abdul Mazid and Abu Hider Rony helped Mymensingh reach 273 for seven against Sylhet after being sent in to bat. Debutant off-spinner Nayeem Ahmed took three wickets, while Nabil Samad, who is set to retire after this season, claimed two.

In Chattogram, Rajshahi reached 290 for six at stumps, riding on half-centuries from openers Sabbir Hosan (71) and Habibur Rahman Sohan (75). Hasan Murad and Enamul Hoque Ashiq took two wickets apiece for Chattogram.

Bowlers fared relatively well in Mirpur, where Dhaka reduced Rangpur to 229 for six. Rangpur openers Mim Mosaddeak and Anik Sarker Shatu scored 63 and 50 respectively and put together a 114-run opening stand. However, after pacer Anamul Haque broke the partnership, Dhaka clawed their way back into the contest by taking wickets at regular intervals.

Earlier in the day, all eight team skippers wore blazers during the toss for the first time in a first-class match in Bangladesh as the new-look 28th edition of the NCL got underway.

From this season, players will receive an increased match fee of Tk 1.5 lakh, up from Tk 80,000, while division-specific coloured baggy caps and helmets have also been provided to the players.