The Janakantha Premier Cricket League resumes today after a nine-day break for the Eid festival. But there will be hardly any respite for the organisers as they are likely to face the twin problem of a day-long countrywide strike and the enigma of substandard umpiring. On the resuming day, three matches will be held at different city venues.
Table leaders Brothers Union will take on Mohammedan Sporting in a crucial tie at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Brothers, who are enjoying a mental edge with highest six wins against a single defeat on completion of their seven matches, will be looking forward for a win against a morally charged-up Mohammedan to take the solo lead in the 12-team fray. The Gopibagh outfit, who played one match less, are now jointly leading the table with Abahani and Biman.
Biman crossed their last major hurdle in their chase for a fifth league title when the national airline outfit defeated Abahani by six-wickets in an eventful match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on January 16.
Brothers, eyeing for their second league title, will miss the service of Indian all-rounder Sanjeev Sharma, who opted to stay home to comply with more demanding occupation. Brothers, however, brought in experienced Pakistani all-rounder Mohammed Zahid to fill Sanjeev's void.
On the other hand, Mohammedan, who won five matches against a couple of defeats, will rely on the services of their Kenyan-duo of Steve Tikolo and Maurice Odumbe for a desperately needed victory.
Star-studded Surjo Tarun, who are virtually out of the title race after conceding three defeats against four wins, will take on a rejuvenated Victoria at the BKSP in Savar. For Tarun, a win will enable them to keep their outside chances alive in the title race. But the cause of concern for Surjo Tarun might be the presence of former Pakistan Test player Manzoor Elahi in the Victoria line-up.
Among the real contenders, Kalabagan Krira Chakra, who took a nose-dive along with Surjo Tarun, will take on promotees Orient SC at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium. Kalabagan have so far won four matches in their seven league outings.
Orient, who are struggling for survival in the elite echelon, will be in quest for their second win after six defeats. They are now sharing the bottom spot with Ajax.