Talking points from BPL Dhaka Phase 1

And just like that, the first phase of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in Dhaka has come to an end on Saturday, with teams now travelling to Chattogram for the next phase, which begins from December 17.

With eight matches done in this special edition of the BPL organised by the BCB, let's take a look at some of the big talking points from the first four days in Mirpur 'Home of Cricket'. 

Sparse crowds during the first two days

The first few days of the BPL were on weekdays - Wednesday and Thursday - and that saw only a few thousand people come into the ground. 

There have been many theories behind the lack of attendance in Mirpur, and one fan Shahriar Rabbi said: "The ticket prices are too high. The lowest ticket prices before were 100 taka. That has now doubled to 200 taka. Some students cannot afford it, especially when you consider food and travel costs as well."

Another spectator at the ground, Mohammad Meraz, said that the lack of superstar players was a big reason for the sparse crowds.

"Last time, there were players like Alex Hales, AB de Villiers, David Warner and Steve Smith playing. This time they aren't here. Plus you also don't have Shakib Al Hasan playing so that doesn't help matters."  

Santokie, Apu add to Sylhets woes

From the very beginning, there have been questions raised about the make-up of the Sylhet Thunder team and their lack of quality Twenty20 players. 

The fears of them not being good enough have come true in the first three games as they failed to win a single one. 

But aside from the poor results, medium bowler Krishmar Santokie and Nazmul Islam Apu have bowled overs which have been met with murmurs of doubt about the overs being pre-determined and the integrity of the players have come under the scanner. 

The over bowled by Santokie in the first match had a big no-ball and then a big wide and both looked intentional as the replays were shown time and time again. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board have also been asked about the matter and they said that the matter would be looked into.

In Sylhet's third match, against Dhaka Platoon on Saturday, Nazmul came in to bowl the eighth over.

And in that over, he bowled three deliveries wide down the leg side and one delivery wide outside off. 

"Coming from a bowler that is generally very good with his line and length, it looked very suspicious," said a television commentator who chose to maintain anonymity. 

Imrul and Mithun surprise with the bat

Imrul Kayes and Mohammad Mithun were two players that have been getting a lot of stick from social media in recent times, especially with their batting in international cricket going through a dip.

But they have so far been the top Bangladeshi run-getters and played good knocks for their side so far.

Mithun has scored 112 runs from three innings with an average of 56 and is the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament so far, although his runs have gone in vain as Sylhet remain winless.

Imrul is the joint-top scorer with Chadwick Walton and has scored 117 runs at an average of 58.5 and they have helped his side Chattogram Challengers rack up two wins from three games.

One would hope that their good form continues and they can replicate that into the international scene too and shut up the internet trolls.  

Sri Lankans provide the fireworks

The most destructive innings in this season's BPL has come from Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Comilla Warriors, who scored an unbeaten knock of 75 from just 31 balls to steer his side away from trouble and help them win against Rangpur Ranger. 

Thisara Perera, playing for the Dhaka Platoon has also been at his destructive best scoring 42 off just 17 balls in Dhaka's second BPL match and then following it up with 22 off just 11 balls in their third game.

Dhaka won both these matches were won by Dhaka and he was instrumental with the ball as well.

Perera picked up 5-30 in the second match and is the top wicket-taker in the BPL so far.

His bowling figures are also the best bowled by any bowler so far this season. 

Stale food highlights staler organising

From the very beginning, the BPL has seen the organisers - for the first time being organised by the cricket board entirely - show their lack of experience and expertise at organising such a tournament. 

They wanted each team to have one fast bowler that can bowl over 140 kmph and a wrist-spinner, but some of the teams owned by board members, failed to maintain the rule they themselves made. 

Then there was the matter of team jerseys being unveiled just a day before the tournament began and with many team captains being announced on that day too. 

Adding to that, a lot of the star foreign players are yet to join their teams. 

And finally, to end an unorganised first phase in Dhaka, 25 people including 17 journalists, have fallen ill due to food provided by the board and served in the press box.

There had been complaints about the quality of the food from the very beginning of the BPL and finally, after the events on Saturday the board have terminated their contract with Seven Hill restaurant, the food provider so far.