DPL Super League begins today without Shakib, Tamim

The Super League phase of the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Twenty20 Cricket League is all set to begin today (Saturday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium without the two most senior national team players - Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, reports UNB.

Shakib left Dhaka for the US early Friday to spend time with his family; Tamim has suffered a leg injury throughout the league.

Both Shakib and Tamim's teams - Mohammedan Sporting Club, and Prime Bank Cricketers - have qualified for the Super League.

Masuduzzaman, the chair of the cricket committee of Mohammedan, said: "Shakib asked for permission to skip the Super League to spend time with his family in the US. Respecting his decision, we approved his leave."

Tamim said: "I have been suffering from a leg injury and discussed my condition with the medical team of the board. They told me to rest for a while. Since we have a long series in Zimbabwe, I think I have to be better prepared than I'm right now. So I think I should skip the Super League."

Super League lineup

Prime Bank Cricket Club topped the points table with the most wins in the initial phase of the league, which consists of 11 rounds. The table-toppers won nine matches and the number two team Abahani eight.

Prime Doleshwar, Gazi Group Cricketers, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club are the other teams of the Super League.

On Saturday, three matches will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium where Doleshwar will face Gazi Group at 9am. In the second match, Prime Bank will play against Sheikh Jamal at 2pm while Abhani will take on Mohammedan at 6:30pm. All the matches will be telecast live on GTV and T Sports.