Published: 10:04 AM, 20 April 2026
79 cricketers switch teams on Day 1 of DPL player transfer
Bijoy ready to return to cricket with DPL
AnamulHaqueBijoy is set to return to competitive cricket with the upcoming Dhaka Premier League (DPL) after a period on the sidelines due to some off-the-field issues which kept him out of several domestic tournaments including BPL.-BCB
The usually quiet Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) at the BCB headquarters came alive today as the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) transfer window opened, marking a return to activity after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the country's top domestic competition.
The two-day transfer process began at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, with 79 cricketers switching teams on the opening day through a combination of online and in-person dealings.
The event drew a significant presence of players, reflecting renewed interest after the league had faced the threat of cancellation.
The DPL's future had been thrown into doubt following a boycott by clubs, who labeled Aminul Islam Bulbul's board 'illegal'. The deadlock was resolved after the committee was dissolved and an ad-hoc body led by TamimIqbal took charge, paving the way for the league to proceed.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has allocated a grant of Tk 2.5 million per team. The competition will be single-league basis as the relegation and the Super League phase was scrapped for this season due to time constraint.
"We are relieved that the league is finally happening. It would have been a bigger loss if it hadn't"' said Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun, adding that the return of the competition ensures at least some stability for players.
On the field, traditional rivals Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club appear strong contenders for the title, alongside Prime Bank Cricket Club.
On Day 1 Mohammedan bolstered their squad by signing AnamulHaqueBijoy, the leading century-maker in DPL history, along with Naim Sheikh, ParvezHossainEmon, RishadHossain and Ripon Mondal.
Prime Bank secured a major signing in MahmudullahRiyad, who moved from Mohammedan, and also added national players TanzidHasanTamim and TanzimHasanSakib.
Defending champions Abahani retained the core of their squad while bringing in national cricketers SoumyaSarkar, Jaker Ali Anik and SabbirRahman.
New entrants Dhaka Leopards also made notable additions, including experienced campaigners MominulHaque and Mohammad Mithun, along with several players from the recent Under-19 World Cup squad.
Meanwhile, AnamulHaqueBijoy is set to return to competitive cricket with the upcoming Dhaka Premier League (DPL) after a period on the sidelines due to some off-the-field issues which kept him out of several domestic tournaments including BPL.
The wicketkeeper-batter has already completed his transfer to Mohammedan Sporting Club ahead of the new season.
Speaking to the media today after the opening day of player transfers, Bijoy admitted he is not yet fully match-ready, but remains optimistic about regaining peak condition soon.
"Honestly, I won't say I'm 100 percent ready and that's the truth. But I still have around 15 days. I've been preparing mentally and practicing over the past few days, so I hope to be fully ready before the DPL begins," he said.
Bijoy also addressed the criticism and negativity surrounding him, particularly on social media. He urged fans and observers to adopt a more supportive tone.
"Everywhere I look, there's negativity and critical comments. I want people to speak positively and create a positive environment. Let's leave the negativity behind," he added.
He further revealed that he had communicated directly with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding his situation.
