The National Cricket League (NCL) T20 has provided a laudable setting for Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to gauge performances in the shortest format with plenty of new names coming into focus and selectors getting to see players perform specific roles.

The performances of the likes of Akbar, Salman and Jishan weigh in on the notion that quality alone, not age, matters as Bangladesh looks to unearth and nurture emerging T20 talents.

Despite the valiant effort of Shanto after over a month-long layoff from injury, Rajshahi lost by five wickets in a high-scoring thriller.

Tamim Iqbal put on a grand show in Sylhet yesterday in the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 with an exquisite 33-ball 65 – which was the highlight of another good day in the newly laid-out tournament for local players.

The National Cricket League T20 couldn’t have started in a better way as Shuvagata Hom’s last-ball six ensured Dhaka Division a thrilling six-wicket win over Sylhet Division in the opening match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

It is hoped that the NCL T20 will help local talents hit their stride early and improve their performance in the BPL.

For over two decades, Shakib Khan has been a leading figure in the Dhallywood film industry. Recently, he has ventured into the world of cricket through his business enterprise, Remark-Herlan, which has acquired a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise named Dhaka Capitals. 

“In first-class cricket, the national league is the backbone of our cricket. So from this year onwards, we will be putting effort to hold the T20 tournament alongside the National Cricket League,” Faruque said during the event.