![Akbar Ali looking forward for BPL 2025/26 season [Source: @blitzvisionbd/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766327637917_Akbar_Ali_BPL_2025_26_Rajshahi_Warriors.jpg?type=hq)
Akbar Ali looking forward for BPL 2025/26 season [Source: @blitzvisionbd/X.com]
Akbar Ali is stepping into the upcoming BPL season with a refreshed mindset and a clear focus on his batting, even as Najmul Shanto will take over the captaincy role at Rajshahi Warriors.
The wicketkeeper-batter says he is now getting more used to the demands of T20 cricket after playing a busy run of short-format matches in recent weeks.
Akbar Ali set his hopes high for the BPL 2025-26 season
Young Bangladesh talent Akbar Ali has been a regular leader in domestic cricket, but for the BPL, the team management has opted for Najmul Shanto as captain.
Far from being disappointed, Akbar welcomed the change and said it allows him to concentrate fully on contributing with the bat.
Like any professional cricketer, Akbar hopes to be part of the playing XI. However, he stressed that selection is not in his hands.
"Actually whatever format we play in, the seriousness is same. But last few days we have been playing more T20s so in that regard I am getting more used to it. Look, every player expects to play, and I also have that expectation that Inshallah I will play (as a batter). But as I said, this is completely a team management decision about who plays and who doesn't. I am ready, and whenever the need arises, Inshallah I am ready to play in any role," Ali told reporters.
The 23-year-old recently featured in the NCL T20 tournament and then travelled to the UAE for the Asia Cup Rising Stars event. The exposure has helped him sharpen his approach for the shortest format of the game.
His numbers back that up as well. Akbar finished fourth on the list of top run-scorers in the last NCL T20, scoring 203 runs in nine matches.
With Mushfiqur Rahim likely to take up wicketkeeping duties for Rajshahi, Akbar Ali is also excited about sharing the dressing room with one of Bangladesh’s most experienced players.
"Since you mentioned Mushfiqur bhai, of course having him in the team is a big blessing. I would say there is a lot to learn from him, and I think every player can take something from him. So we will also try to take as much as possible from him," he added.
BPL 2025-26 to begin on December 26
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 will run from December 26 to January 23, featuring 34 T20 matches across Sylhet, Chattogram, and Dhaka.
The tournament opens with Sylhet Titans vs Rajshahi Warriors and Noakhali Express vs Chattogram Royals.
Group league matches will continue through early January, with several double-headers each day, before the playoffs and final in Dhaka.
