The sixth edition of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) gained the momentum after the participating teams began their practice at full swing at the Academy Ground of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

At least three teams—Rajshahi Kings, Sylhet Sixers and Comilla Victorians were available for the practice at the first day of the New Year, bringing up a BPL-frenzy to the country.

The other three teams—Dhaka Dynamites, Rangpur Riders and Khulna Titans will also turn up today. Comilla though has no official practice schedule yesterday, their most valuable player Tamim Iqbal was on the ground to have some practice.

However the foreign recruits of the six teams are all set to join the team from today with Dhaka’s Caribbean recruit Andre Russel becoming the first overseas player to land in Dhaka today.

With some big names of the world cricket playing the BPL for the first time in this season, the tournament created a huge enthusiasm and obviously will be in the focus. Banned Australian stars Steven Smith and David Warner agreed to play the tournament for the first time, so as South African star AB de Villiers. albeit Villiers has already retired from the cricket, his stardom is yet to be reduced.

Focus mainly will be on Smith and Warner as they take the tournament as part of their preparation for the 2019 World Cup. But their inclusion is set to make this BPL more attractive and competitive.

The Aussie selectors also said they will have keen eye on the BPL, specially to watch the performance of the duo who have been serving a one-year ban following ball tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Smith however was in doubt to play the tournament after the BPL franchisees complained his inclusion in the Comilla Victorians was the direct violation of the bylaws since he was acquired from the outside of the draft.

The BPL governing council latter, with the consent of all participating franchisees, changed the rules to pave the way for Smith to play the tournament.

Smith however will land in Dhaka on January 4 and expected to play the tournament from the beginning. His teammate Warner who will lead Sylhet Sixers will also play from the outset of the tournament.

But there was no confirmation when Viliers who will play for Rangpur Riders will land in Dhaka. Chris Gayle, who made Rangpur champions in the last year, will play from the onset of the tournament this year as he is scheduled to reach Dhaka on January 4.  However amid the big stars, Smith and Warner are set to hog the headline, not only locally but also the internationally.

Bangladesh players also were keen to share the dressing room with them and share their experience also.

“He is the very big player, a modern great and superstar of the world,” said Anamul Haque Bijoy, expressing his delight to share the dressing room with Smith in Comilla tent.

“Definitely we’ll try to talk to him, share our experience. We can learn from his playing style, his preparation method and others.”

Anamul said he had already prepared some questions to ask Smith.

“I have already prepared to ask some questions to him. I want to learn from him as much as it is possible.”

Another Bangladesh star Sabbir Rahman from whom this BPL is very important to make him available in the national team again is also waiting for the arrival of Warner.

“There is many things to learn from him but you can get all answers by asking him the questions. We need to grow a comfortable relationship and I think when the relation will become smooth, he himself will share many things.”