The Dhaka Women鈥檚 Premier Division Cricket League begins Wednesday with three games scheduled on the opening day in three different venues as the trophy unveiling ceremony was held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Nine teams are taking part in this season鈥檚 tournament, which is one less than the previous season, as Rupali Bank Krira Parishad Women鈥檚 Team, who finished third last year, is not participating.
Mirpur Boys Cricket Club, who are now Sheltech Cricket Academy鈥攖he champion of last season鈥檚 first division league鈥攁nd Bangladesh Police Cricket Club are the newcomers.
Sheltech roped in national team captain Nigar Sultana Joty at the last moment. But Joty feels that it is a positive sign for women鈥檚 cricket in Bangladesh. 鈥楾he first thing I would say is that it鈥檚 positive for women鈥檚 cricket as the corporate teams are coming,鈥� Joty told reporters on Tuesday.
鈥楾hey are coming and investing. There are huge contributions from them in finding new players.鈥�
As the national team captain, Joty will also have an eye on the World Cup Qualifiers in which Bangladesh will take part after missing out on direct entry.
鈥楾he league is very important for us ahead of the World Cup Qualifier. If we can play better cricket here, then there will be an impact on our qualifier,鈥� added Joty.
The first round of the 50-over league will be held across three venues鈥擬irpur, BKSP in Savar, and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh Ground in Mohammadpur.
Defending champions Mohammedan Sporting Club will face Sheltech Academy in Mirpur. Mohammedan captain Salma Khatun was confident of retaining the title.
鈥極ur team is good. Definitely we will try to maintain the consistency to be the champions. I鈥檝e confidence in my team, and they all will be playing to be the champion,鈥� said the veteran all-rounder.