Wikipedia - Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League
The Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, also known as the Dhaka Premier League, is a club List A tournament in Bangladesh which has been contested annually since the 1973–74 season. It has had List A status since the 2013–14 season. It is run by the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis.
History
Since its inauguration in 1973–74 the league has been the premier club cricket competition in Bangladesh. Occupying more than 200 players for two months each year, it is widely regarded as the "finishing school" for cricketers in Bangladesh. It gained List A status starting with the 2013–14 tournament, thus superseding the National Cricket League One-Day as Bangladesh's main List A competition.
In the years from 1973–74 to 2011–12, Abahani Limited won the championship 17 times. Other winners were Mohammedan Sporting Club nine times, Biman Bangladesh Airlines five times, Victoria Sporting Club four times, Old DOHS Sports Club twice and Brothers Union once. There was no tournament in 2012–13.
To commemorate the centenary of the birth of the founding father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the 2019–20 season of the league was named "Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2019–20". However, the competition was postponed shortly after starting and later abandoned, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next tournament, in 2021–22, was officially named the "Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2021–2022 sponsored by Walton".
The Dhaka Premier League attracts top cricketers from Bangladesh as well as international players, making it a highly competitive and exciting event. The tournament provides a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the cricketing world.
Matches in the Dhaka Premier League are played across various cricket grounds in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The tournament spans over several weeks, with teams battling it out to secure a place in the knockout stages.
The Dhaka Premier League has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1974. Over the years, it has witnessed some memorable performances and intense rivalries between teams. The tournament has also been a breeding ground for future national team players, with many cricketers making their mark in the Dhaka Premier League before representing Bangladesh at the international level.
The Dhaka Premier League not only promotes cricket in Bangladesh but also contributes to the overall development of the sport in the country. It provides a platform for local talent to gain exposure, learn from experienced players, and improve their game.
The tournament is widely followed by cricket enthusiasts in Bangladesh, who flock to the stadiums or tune in to live broadcasts to witness the thrilling matches. The Dhaka Premier League has a dedicated fan base, with supporters passionately cheering for their favorite teams and players.
Overall, the Dhaka Premier League is a highly anticipated cricket tournament in Bangladesh, showcasing the country's cricketing talent and providing a platform for players to shine on the domestic stage.