The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) launched the Corporate League after the Dhaka clubs refused to take part in the prestigious Premier League this year citing the imminent rainy season.

The non-appearance of the top clubs served a shattering blow to the cricketers, as the Dhaka Leagues have been their only source of income. The cricketers however heaved a sigh of relief when a registration of different sort took place at the Bangladesh National Stadium.

BEXIMCO led the signings roping 14 cricketers. Meanwhile, their big catch was Test cricket's youngest centurion on debut Mohammad Ashraful. Former left-arm national seamer Morshed Ali Khan is likely to lead the team that also features all-rounder Neeyamur Rashid, Sajjad Ahmed Shipon, batsman Azam Iqbal, Parvez Ahmed, under-19 left-arm spinner Nadif Chowdhury and veteran off-spinner Masudur Rahman Mukul.

Bangladesh Biman, a popular name in domestic cricket, also enjoyed a good shopping. National all-rounder Mushfiqur Rahman was the lone player bracketed in the 10-men elite pool who signed for the national flag carrier. Biman also signed up national discard Sanwar Hossain, former national opener Jahangir Alam, dashing right-hander Rashedul Haque, experienced left-arm paceman Anisur Rahman, middle-order batsman Hasanuzzaman, wicketkeeper Sajjad Kadir, right-arm seamer Aminul Islam Bhola and young spinner Ilias Sunny.

Araf Apparels also appeared at the BNS to sign up experienced batsman Halim Shah, talented right-hander Anisur Rahman Sanchay, spinner Arafat Sunny, discarded national opener Ehsanul Haque, off-spinner Jamaluddin Babu, southpaw Mustadir Litu and under-19 pacers Nazmul Haque and Rubaiyat Haque.

Gazi Tank signed nine cricketers with Murad Khan being the only notable name on the list.

Veteran cricketer Minhajul Abedin Nannu, still sought by many despite nearing the end of his career, remains the mystery man as his name is being linked to more than one team. The most successful batsman in the history of domestic cricket is expected to play for either Ispahani or Acme Laboratories with the latter also gunning to win the hearts of national captain Bashar and opener Hannan Sarker.

Mohammed Rafique, voted the sports personality of the year 2003 by journalists recently, is set to lead the mobile company Aktel.

GrameenPhone were yet to make their presence felt last night, but the country's largest cellular operator is expected to appear with two big names Alok Kapali and former national captain Khaled Mahmud at the BNS today, the final day of the signings.

The Corporate League will commence on April 20.