Players of Rangpur Riders started practicing at Bashundhara Sports Complex as the ninth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 competition will begin on January 6.
Every time when BPL approaches, Mirpur's academy is crowded as participating franchises are to practice there within the limited space. Time is also limited.
Although several teams have been talking about their own venues at different times since the opening of the tournament, no one can make it happen.
Rangpur Riders is an exception here as the sports complex is being built inside Bashundhara Residential Area of the capital. The team is practicing at their own venue. They are practicing there for the first time on Sunday (Jan 1) to compete in the BPL.
Bashundhara Sports Complex is the first dedicated home venue of a club in the country’s history, ushering in a new era of sports.
Rangpur Riders now have a dream of organizing BPL matches as their own venue in this field with modern facilities. All other facilities including indoor spaces are being built next to it.
Returning to the BPL after a long time, Rangpur Riders will be led by Bangladesh national team player Nurul Hasan Sohan, who led Bangladesh in a series against Zimbabwe and UAE last year. 
He also led the team in a tri-nation series against New Zealand and Pakistan before the T20 World Cup.
From his long BPL experience, Sohan said, he is happy to be able to practice in their own field.
He said, 'We are very excited. When we practice during BPL, we can't do that for more than two-three hours. Since it is our own field, we are starting in the morning and there is no time limit. Anyone can prepare himself as long as he can. This is a great opportunity for us."
Rangpur Riders Team Director Shahnian Tanim told Banglanews that the dreams of the owner and management come true by letting Rangpur Riders practice here.
While BPL is still stuck in three venues across the country, Rangpur Riders are practicing at their own ground.
When asked how much they are satisfied, he said, 'It is very satisfying. At the end of the day, we play BPL on the field. No matter how good the team is, practice and preparation are key matters. Bashundhara has provided all facilities with the ground for Rangpur Riders. Nothing could be more important than that." 
'It is very important for each franchise to have its own field to prepare themselves. For example, we have made three wickets which help prepare Chittagong, Sylhet and Dhaka wickets. I think every team will get courage from us. They will hopefully have fields within three years."
Shahnian expressed hope that the rest of the franchises will also follow their path in the future. He said, "According to BCB decision, a franchise has been given three years. I think it will help other teams prepare their own grounds for their teams. The problem that occurs in Mirpur is to take slots, share grounds, and think of the right wicket. Now we are taking preparations properly."
BDST: 2130 HRS, JAN 01, 2022
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