With the new season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) fast approaching, Rajshahi Warriors have quietly gone about assembling a balanced squad that blends proven experience with youthful energy. The franchise has already commenced structured team training sessions, fine-tuning combinations and sharpening match readiness. Yet, despite the tournament being only days away, one crucial question remains unanswered: who will captain Rajshahi in the upcoming campaign?
While the franchise has not made any formal announcement, head coach Hannan Sarkar has offered a clear indication that the leadership decision is both deliberate and competitive rather than delayed by uncertainty. Speaking candidly about the matter, Sarkar revealed that Rajshahi are fortunate to have multiple strong leadership options within the squad.
“We have some excellent candidates,” the coach explained. “Mushfiqur Rahim, Shanto, even Akbar—each of them is a proven leader. In a way, this is a sweet problem for us. Very soon everyone will know who is going to lead Rajshahi.”
The comment reflects a healthy internal environment, where leadership is not confined to a single individual. Mushfiqur Rahim, widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most experienced cricketers, brings tactical acumen and calm authority. Shanto represents the new generation—confident, technically sound and increasingly mature—while Akbar’s leadership credentials add another viable dimension to the discussion.
Attention has also turned to the wicketkeeping role, an area that could significantly influence on-field decision-making. According to Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim is currently the frontrunner to don the gloves.
“From a team combination point of view, Mushfiq is slightly ahead,” he said. “He genuinely enjoys wicketkeeping, and when he keeps wickets, he remains deeply involved in the game. Having someone of his experience behind the stumps makes it much easier for the captain to manage bowlers and field placements. Even if someone else captains the side, Mushfiq’s guidance will be invaluable.”
Such comments underline the importance of senior figures within the squad, particularly in high-pressure T20 cricket, where swift decisions often determine outcomes.
Meanwhile, the BPL authorities have announced a change to the schedule of the tournament’s opening day. Originally, the twelfth edition of the BPL was set to begin at 2:00 pm on 26 December, with hosts Sylhet Titans taking on Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. However, adjustments have been made to accommodate the official opening ceremony.
In a formal press release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that the opening match will now commence at 3:00 pm instead. The revised timings for both matches on the opening day are as follows:
| Match | Session | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sylhet Titans vs Rajshahi Warriors | First session | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Interval | 20 minutes | |
| Second session | 4:50 pm – 6:20 pm | |
| Second match of the day | First session | 7:45 pm – 9:15 pm |
| Interval | 20 minutes | |
| Second session | 9:35 pm – 11:05 pm |
The BCB has clarified that all other matches in the tournament will proceed according to the originally published schedule.
As anticipation builds, Rajshahi Warriors find themselves at the centre of attention—not only for their leadership choice but also for the depth and balance of their squad. The final decision on the captaincy may soon be revealed, but one thing is already clear: Rajshahi enter the new BPL season well-prepared, well-led, and firmly in contention.