Twelve teams will participate in the league matches spreading over two days in different venues of the capital.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to hold the league matches for 80-over each side instead of traditional 50-over to enable the players to be habituated in playing two or three days matches as it has applied for Test status.

But many former cricketers opined that the decision will not be effective at the time when Bangladesh, being the International Cricket Council (ICC) Trophy holder, are taking preparations for the next world cup that will be 50-over one-day matches.

In last few days, the former cricketers talking to local newspapers, argued that the two-day league matches will destroy the one-day spirit of the players that might seriously hamper the preparations for the world cup.

However, the BCB officials have said the national cricketers will get enough time to be prepared for the world cup by taking part in conditioning camp and playing a number of one-day matches as they will be relieved from the league after the month of January.

Earlier, the BCB had announced that the national players will not be able to take part in the Premier Division League, named after local Bangla daily Janakantha, as they will be in training camp under coach Gordon Greenidge, for the England world cup.

But the BCB was compelled to retreat from the decision amidst protest from Cricket Committee for Dhaka Metropolis that will coordinate the Janakantha Premier Division Cricket League.

In the inaugural match (Dec. 7, 8), Holders Abahani Limited will take on Orient SC at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium. On the same days Brothers Union meet Sadharan Bima at the BKSP ground and Kalabagan KC play against Victoria SC at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.