Defending champions Rangpur strengthen their side from last year, recruiting South African AB De Villiers and England’s Alex Hales among others to add them with the likes of Chris Gayle, Ravi Bopara.

Rangpur retained the likes of Nazmul Islam, Mohammad Mithun, and Nahidul Islam from their last year squad and Mashrafee bin Murtaza will be leading the side once again in the hope of finishing on top of the tournament.

Gayle is set to arrive in Dhaka today before he takes the field for Rangpur while the title-holders will get the service of de Villiers from the Sylhet phase, starting on January 15.
Mashrafee, who will be back in action in cricket field after passing a few busy days for running in the national election, was optimistic about his team’s chances in the competition.

‘We have a balanced side this time. Last time we became champions so there are expectations but I think from the last year we are better side,’ Mashrafee told reporters in Mirpur on Friday.

Mashrafee was also cautious about his first opponent Chittagong, who also got some game changers in their side with the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Ashraful, Sikandar Raza and Luke Ronchi.

‘First match is very important for all the teams. In this format, one or two change the game. Even in Nidahas Trophy, Mushfiq single-handedly won one match. It is not wise to think that your side is good and will win a particular match,’ he added.

Chittagong, on the other hand, will rely on Mushfiq, who will be leading a side that included some talented young cricketers like Mosaddek Hossain, Nayeem Hasan and Yasir Ali.
Former Bangladesh skipper Ashraful, who was found guilty in a match-fixing scandal, will make a comeback in the tournament after three seasons.

Chittagong’s new skipper Mushfiq was happy to have his former national colleague alongside him in BPL.

‘He [Ashraful] worked really hard and performed in the domestic circuits. Inshallah, he will do well and if he does then it will be good for Bangladesh cricket,’ Mushfiq said.
‘We have a very good chance to do well. We have faith that Chittagong will make some miracles. I believe in some players who will do really well in tournament,’ he added.