Holders Abahani will begin their bid to retain the Janakantha Premier Division Cricket League title for third successive season when they take on promotees Orient Sporting Club this morning.

The two-day 80-over-a-side match, introduced after a long break in the domestic cricket, will start at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 9:30 am.

Abahani, on paper the most balanced side, will be led by former national skipper Akram Khan. Winners of the prestigious league for the last two seasons, they are tipped hot favourites to earn their second hat-trick of championships.

Abahani won the league title for a record eleven times, including thrice in a row in the 1984-85, 85-86 and 86-87 seasons. Their arch rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club have won it seven times.

In a two-day match in the 12-team league, the fielding side will have to bowl 80 overs. The first session will start at 9:30 am and will continue up to the 40-minute lunch break, which will start at 12 noon. The post-lunch session will break for tea at 2:40 pm for 20 minutes. The final session starts at 3 pm and will end at 4:15 pm.

Although the league was supposed to be conducted by foreign umpires, it was learnt last night that the organisers, Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolitan (CCDM), were yet to finalise the matter, given which today's league opener will be officiated by local umpires.

For matches at the Bangabandhu Stadium, season tickets of VIP seats will cost Tk 3,000, Club House east Tk 1,500 and west Tk. 2,000.

Daily tickets will also be available in the following rates: general gallery (east and west)-Tk. 20, VIP-Tk. 100, Club House (east)-Tk. 50, Club House (west)-Tk. 75 and international gallery - Tk. 40.