Tue Dec 17 06:10:19 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh’s National Cricket League T20 League Returns After 14-Year Hiatus

**Sylhet, Bangladesh –** After a 14-year absence, the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 tournament has roared back to life. The eight-team league kicked off today in Sylhet, offering a much-needed domestic platform for Bangladeshi cricketers to hone their skills in the shortest format.

The inaugural edition in 2010 featured only six teams, but this year’s revival boasts a larger field, including Dhaka, Dhaka Metro, Sylhet, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Chattogram, and Barishal. All matches will be held at two venues in Sylhet: the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium and the adjacent Outer Ground.

The tournament aims to fill a gap left by the franchise-based Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which often sees foreign players dominating. The NCL T20 provides a vital opportunity for local talent to shine. Notable players returning to the field include former national captain Tamim Iqbal and current captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who will lead the Rajshahi team.

The league follows a round-robin format, leading to a playoff round mirroring the BPL structure. The final is scheduled for December 24th at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The champion team will receive Tk 20 lakh, while the runners-up will receive Tk 10 lakh. T Sports will televise 18 matches, with all matches streamed online.

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