Who Will Captain Rajshahi? Coach Offers Insight Ahead of the BPL

As the countdown to the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) gathers pace, Rajshahi Warriors have quietly emerged as one of the most organised and balanced outfits of the season. Blending seasoned internationals with promising young talent, the franchise has already begun full-scale team training, focusing on match simulations, fitness and tactical drills. Yet, despite the tournament being only days away, one crucial announcement remains pending: the name of the team’s captain.

While the franchise has chosen not to make the decision public just yet, head coach Hannan Sarkar has provided telling hints about where the leadership discussion currently stands. Speaking to the media, Sarkar made it clear that Rajshahi’s delay is not due to indecision, but rather an abundance of strong candidates.

“We have several excellent options,” he said. “Mushfiqur Rahim, Shanto, even Akbar—each of them has proven leadership qualities. In fact, it’s a sweet problem for us. Very soon, everyone will know who is going to captain Rajshahi.”

The coach’s remarks suggest that the management is carefully weighing experience against future leadership potential. Mushfiqur Rahim brings years of international exposure and calm authority under pressure. Shanto represents the modern, fearless generation of Bangladeshi cricketers, while Akbar’s leadership credentials add another layer of choice. The final decision is expected to reflect both tactical needs and long-term vision.

Another key talking point has been the wicketkeeping role, which could significantly influence on-field decision-making. According to Hannan Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim is currently the frontrunner to stand behind the stumps.

“From a team-combination perspective, Mushfiq is slightly ahead,” the coach explained. “He genuinely enjoys wicketkeeping, and when he keeps, he becomes more involved in the game. Having an experienced wicketkeeper like him makes things much easier for the captain, especially when managing bowlers and field placements. Even if someone else is captain, they will benefit from Mushfiq’s guidance.”

This highlights Mushfiq’s value not only as a player but also as a tactical voice on the field—an asset in the fast-paced T20 format.

Meanwhile, the BPL authorities have announced a change to the schedule of the tournament’s opening day. The twelfth edition of the league was originally set to begin at 2:00 pm on 26 December, with hosts Sylhet Titans facing Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. However, the timetable has been revised to accommodate the official opening ceremony.

In an official press release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the updated timings.

Revised Schedule for Opening Day :

The BCB has confirmed that all remaining matches in the tournament will proceed according to the original schedule.