NCL Set for Another Round Without Test Stars
National Cricket League third round begins without most Test regulars as players rest and recover ahead of the upcoming West Indies series.
The National Cricket League (NCL) 2026-27 will again be without most of Bangladesh’s Test regulars when the third-round matches begin across four venues on Sunday. Several players are currently resting or recovering from injuries ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies.
According to players, selectors and team officials, opener Shadman Islam is suffering from fever, while Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam have opted to rest ahead of the series, which begins on October 28. Pacer Ebadot Hossain has also been advised by the national team’s medical staff to take a break after featuring in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan will miss the round due to a leg injury. He has been advised by the team physio to continue his rehabilitation for another week and is scheduled to undergo a fitness test on October 22.
Only wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali Anik and pacer Khaled Ahmed will feature for Sylhet Division in their third-round fixture against Rangpur Division in Chattogram. The NCL is expected to remain without the national Test players for the rest of the competition, as they are due to join the national team’s camp when the fourth round begins on October 24.
In the other third-round fixtures, Mymensingh Division will take on Dhaka Division in Cox’s Bazar, while Khulna Division face league leaders Chattogram Division in Sylhet. Rajshahi Division will host bottom-placed Barishal Division, who have lost both of their opening two matches.