Bangladesh allows foreign players in domestic T20 competition

[mishu]

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has permitted the recruitment of foreign players for the country's domestic Twenty20 competition - the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League - to be held later in the year. Teams will be allowed to include up to five overseas players in their squads, two of whom will be allowed to feature in the playing XI.

The tournament's inaugural version was held last year over a period of a week and involved 12 of Dhaka's best clubs. Abahani Limited won the title, beating Gazi Tank in a tense, well-attended final. Seven out of 34 matches were telecast live and there was an attempt to introduce some glitz with cheerleaders, DJs, live performances and SMS quiz competitions. The winners took home a cheque of Tk 200,000 (US$2890).

The inclusion of foreign players is a step towards enhancing the tournament's profile. These players are required to be current first-class cricketers and need to be cleared by their respective cricket boards to participate in the competition.

cricinfo..