DPL 2025-26 opens with reduced overs, Abahani stunned by newcomers Dhaka Leopards

Key facts

• The 2025-26 Dhaka Premier League season began on May 4, 2026.
• Five of six matches were reduced overs due to poor lighting and wet outfields.
• Reigning champions Abahani Limited lost to newcomers Dhaka Leopards by five wickets.
• Mohammedan Sporting Club beat City Club by five wickets in a 37-over contest.
• Prime Bank Cricket Club defeated Agrani Bank by four wickets in a 30-over match.
• Ashikur Rahman remained unbeaten on 99 as Legends of Rupganj beat Rupganj Tigers by 22 runs.

Delayed starts and truncated contests mar opening day

The 2025-26 season of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) began on Monday, May 4, 2026, but the opening day was disrupted by poor lighting and wet outfields, forcing five of six scheduled matches to be reduced overs. Although matches were slated to start at 9:00 am, most only got underway after 11:00 am, preventing full 50-over contests. The delays stemmed from overnight rain and inadequate ground preparation, leaving several outfields damp and floodlights insufficient for early morning play. The truncated format altered team strategies, with captains opting to bowl first to exploit the shortened run chases.

Abahani’s title defense begins with stunning loss to Dhaka Leopards

Reigning champions Abahani Limited suffered a shock five-wicket defeat to newcomers Dhaka Leopards at Bashundhara Sports City. The loss was a major upset, as Abahani were expected to dominate the league after winning the previous season. Dhaka Leopards, playing their first DPL match, chased down the target with composure, capitalizing on Abahani’s bowling lapses. The defeat immediately puts pressure on Abahani to recover in subsequent fixtures.

Mohammedan edges City Club in rain-shortened thriller

Mohammedan Sporting Club had to dig deep to beat City Club by five wickets in a rain-shortened 37-over contest at BKSP Ground No. 3. Chasing 195, they needed 61 runs from the final 48 balls before Towhid Hridoy and Yasir Ali steadied the innings. Hridoy made 34 off 35 balls, while Yasir remained unbeaten on 36 off 23 to guide the team home. Earlier, opener Enamul Haque laid the foundation with 80 off 88 balls. City Club had posted 194-9, thanks to Sadiqur Rahman's 56, while off-spinner Naeem Ahmed claimed four wickets.

Prime Bank wins bank derby; Alis Al Islam stars with ball

Prime Bank Cricket Club prevailed in the bank derby as they defeated Agrani Bank by four wickets in a 30-over match at BKSP-4 ground. Agrani were bowled out for 153, with captain Imrul Kayes top-scoring with 32. Alis Al Islam starred with the ball, taking four wickets. Prime Bank, however, lost six wickets in the chase before Shamim Hossain's unbeaten 24 secured victory with seven balls to spare. Tanjid Hasan contributed 44 at the top.

Ashikur falls agonizingly short of century in Legends’ win

At the Cricketers Academy in Purbachal, Ashikur Rahman produced one of the standout performances of the day, remaining unbeaten on 99 as Legends of Rupganj beat Rupganj Tigers by 22 runs in a 34-over match. Ashikur struck 11 fours and three sixes in his 84-ball innings but fell agonizingly short of a century after managing only a single off the final ball. Mehedi Hasan's explosive 49 off 16 balls and Irfan Shukkur's 60 powered Rupganj to 283 for 3. Rupganj Tigers responded strongly through Kalam Siddiqui (78 off 46) and Muktar (52 off 27) but were restricted to 261-7.

Outlook: truncated matches raise concerns over scheduling and facilities

The widespread reduction in overs on the opening day has raised questions about the league’s scheduling and infrastructure. With matches starting late due to poor lighting, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) may face pressure to review ground readiness and floodlight standards. For now, the defending champions Abahani face an early test of resilience, while newcomers Dhaka Leopards have announced their arrival. The season’s structure, including the recently scrapped Super League format, will be closely watched as the tournament progresses.

The bottom line

• The DPL 2025-26 season opened on May 4, 2026, with five of six matches reduced overs due to poor lighting and wet outfields.
• Reigning champions Abahani Limited lost to newcomers Dhaka Leopards by five wickets in a major upset.
• Mohammedan Sporting Club beat City Club by five wickets in a 37-over contest, with Enamul Haque scoring 80.
• Prime Bank Cricket Club defeated Agrani Bank by four wickets, with Alis Al Islam taking four wickets.
• Ashikur Rahman remained unbeaten on 99 for Legends of Rupganj in a 22-run win over Rupganj Tigers.
• The truncated matches highlight ongoing infrastructure challenges for Bangladesh’s premier domestic cricket competition.