Pre-tournament favourites Bashundhara Group, led by former national skipper Akram Khan, are pitted against understrength Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) Krira Sangha in the 50-over opening contest.

Thirteen teams have been split into two groups for what should prove to be a money-spinning event, after the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) failed to convince the leading clubs of the capital to take part in the Dhaka Leagues this season.

The top three finishers of each group will feature in the Cup stage while the rest will contest the Plate championship.

The organisers were confident of a successful competition, which involves a total of 65 league matches, within a month.

"Our budget to run the league is Tk 17 lakh. Title sponsors GrameenPhone will provide Tk 40 lakh for two seasons. We are also determined to stage the next Corporate League in October-November this year before the Premier League," said chairman of the CCL organising committee Khondorkar Jamil Uddin at a press conference yesterday.

Nevertheless Jamil, also the chairman of the CCDM, conceded it a failure to hold the Dhaka leagues but said that the CCL was not a bad substitute for the no show of the top clubs.

"I feel personally responsible for failing to hold the Dhaka Leagues this year. On the other hand, the new competition could be termed as an achievement.

BCB's chief executive Macky Dudhia disagreed that the CCL could act as a substitute for the Dhaka Leagues but said that the competition opened a new domestic frontier.

"Let me put it this way. We have introduced another competition in the calendar which will ultimately benefit the players. It is an addition that will secure their lives."

The BCB grounds committee was hopeful to complete the league on schedule despite the fact it is being played at the start on rainy season. And this was the reason for some Dhaka clubs to boycott the Premier and First Division leagues.

"We have adequate logistical support to protect three venues and only in case of heavy showers can match not go ahead," said member secretary of the grounds committee Rafiqul Islam.

Besides the all-purpose BNS the other venues are Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium and Fatullah Stadium.

Private television channel ntv is expected to telecast a 30-minute capsule everyday.

CCL member secretary Ishtiaque Ahmad, DGM (sales and marketing) of GrameenPhone Galib Ahmed Ansary and tournament co-ordinator Ali Hossain were also present at the briefing.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS
Group A: GrameenPhone, MM Ispahani, Bashundhara Group, Bangladesh Biman, Gazi Tank Cricketers, BADC Krira Sangha and BCB Development Squad.

Group B: Acme Laboratories, CityCell, Beximco Group, ARAF Apparels, Aktel Executive Club and Partex Group.