Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 23rd January 2026, 3:39 AM
Anticipation is reaching fever pitch as Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors prepare to face off in the final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today. Tickets for the grand finale at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium sold out rapidly, reflecting the immense excitement surrounding the match. Adding to the spectacle, the coveted BPL trophy—worth 2.5 million taka and having arrived from Dubai midway through the tournament—will be unveiled two hours before the final begins.
While the nation’s cricket fans were initially preoccupied with the BPL climax, Thursday brought disappointing news on the international front: Bangladesh will not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup. This development marks a significant blow to Bangladeshi cricket, creating a sombre backdrop to the domestic celebration.
Back on the domestic stage, the Royals, led by Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, will face Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s Warriors in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Remarkably, Chattogram’s presence in the final is a story of resilience. Just before the tournament began, the franchise faced uncertainty when the ownership stepped back, leaving the team’s future in doubt. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) intervened to safeguard the tournament, taking temporary control of the side. Under the guidance of team director Habibul Bashar, manager Nafis Iqbal, and coach Mizanur Rahman, Chattogram not only stabilised but flourished, producing a series of stellar performances that propelled them to the final.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Mehedi Hasan reflected on his team’s journey: “Having reached the final, why wouldn’t we dream of lifting the trophy? Every player is hungry for victory. Whoever performs best across all departments tomorrow will deserve to win. Let’s see how it unfolds.”
During the league stage, Chattogram and Rajshahi were evenly matched, each winning one encounter. Chattogram advanced to the final after triumphing in the qualifier, but both teams enter the final with confidence. Chattogram captain Mehedi Hasan emphasises respect for his opponents, while Rajshahi coach Hannan Sarkar insists that a unified team performance can deliver the title. “Winning the toss doesn’t guarantee victory,” Sarkar said. “We’ve shown it’s possible to win even after losing the toss. If we play as a cohesive unit, the championship is within our reach.”
BPL League Stage Head-to-Head:
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Qualifier Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattogram Royals | 2 | 1 | 1 | Won |
| Rajshahi Warriors | 2 | 1 | 1 | Lost |
With both teams peaking at the right moment, today’s clash is set to be a classic, with the BPL trophy awaiting the team that combines skill, strategy, and composure under pressure.
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