The 28th edition of the National Cricket League (NCL) will begin on October 3. Eight divisional teams will take part in the four-day first-class tournament during the 2026-27 domestic season. Four matches will be played at different venues across the country in each round.

A new symbolic tradition, the ‘Baggy Cap’, has been introduced to Bangladesh’s first-class cricket. Ahead of the 2026-27 NCL season, the captains of all eight divisional teams were presented with ‘Baggy Caps’. Former cricketers handed the caps to the respective captains.

The ‘Baggy Cap’ is regarded as a traditional symbol of Test cricket. As a result, players see the initiative as a significant addition to the country’s first-class cricket. Khulna captain Mohammad Mithun believes that the identity and emotion associated with the cap are more important than its colour.

According to the schedule, defending champions Rangpur will face Dhaka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on the opening day of the NCL. On the same day, Sylhet will take on Mymensingh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

In the other matches of the first round, Khulna will face Barishal at the Khulna Divisional Stadium, while Chattogram will meet Rajshahi at the Bir Shrestha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram.

The nearly two-month-long NCL will enter its final round on November 17. Each team will play seven matches, with the team finishing at the top of the points table crowned champions.

Besides the four venues mentioned above, other matches during the season will be held at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, the Academy Ground of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura and the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground.