Jamalpur:The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to introduce the National Cricket League (Second XI) 2026-27, a new three-day red-ball tournament aimed at strengthening the country's domestic cricket pipeline. This competition provides young cricketers and national team backup players the opportunity to gain valuable experience in longer-format cricket and is scheduled to commence tomorrow, Wednesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, eight divisional teams—Rangpur, Barishal, Sylhet, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi—will compete in the league, with each team playing seven matches. The opening round on October 7 will feature four matches, with Rangpur facing Sylhet at BKSP Ground No. 3, Mymensingh playing against Rajshahi at BKSP Ground No. 4, Khulna taking on Dhaka at BKSP Ground No. 2, and Barishal clashing with Chattogram at the National Cricket Ground in Purbachal.
The league phase will continue until November 8, with the top two teams advancing to the final, which will be held at Jamalpur District Stadium from November 11 to 13. Matches will take place at multiple venues, including the three BKSP grounds, the National Cricket Ground in Purbachal, Bashundhara Sports Complex, Cricketers Cricket Academy, and Jamalpur District Stadium.
Rangpur's squad includes players like Sohel Rana and Mazharul Islam Sagar, while Dhaka's team features Debashis Sarkar Deba and Ashraful Islam Siam. Rajshahi, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Khulna, and Chattogram also have their squads ready, comprising a mix of promising local talents set to showcase their skills in the tournament.