Frustrations boiled over at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium before the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 as Noakhali Express head coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon and assistant coach Talha Jubair walked out of a training session, citing inadequate facilities.
The coaches were particularly upset by the lack of essential cricket equipment, including cricket balls, which severely hampered practice and left them feeling unable to prepare the players effectively.
At the time, Khaled Mahmud openly expressed his disappointment and hinted that he might step away from his role for the current BPL season, signalling a potential rift between the coaching staff and management.
“I will not do the BPL under any circumstances. I have never seen this in the BPL,” Mahmud told the reporters in Sylhet.
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Echoing Mahmud’s words, Jubair said, “I don’t want to work. I don’t know about you, Sujon (Mahmud) bhai, but I am not working.”
However, about two hours later, Mahmud and Talha returned to the session, resuming training with the team ahead of the tournament.
On his outburst, Mahmud said, “This was actually a misunderstanding. Something happened in the heat of the moment. Thanks to the team owners, they stood by my side. Besides the owners, I have also spoken with the BCB.”
Mahmud added. “During practice, some necessary items were missing, and that made me a bit upset. Perhaps my behavior wasn’t right, and I understand that. However, what happened today is, in a way, a good thing. It’s better that it happened now rather than later. I believe this will make the bonding within our team even stronger.”
On Thursday, Noakhali named 32-year-old Shykat Ali as their captain for the upcoming edition, choosing him over more experienced players such as Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Nabi, and Jaker Ali Anik.
The team suffered a setback after Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis was ruled out due to health issues. Mendis underwent emergency surgery in Dubai last week to remove a bladder stone that required immediate attention.
Noakhali are scheduled to begin their campaign against Chattogram Royals on December 26 in Sylhet.
Noakhali Express squad for BPL 2026
Shykat Ali (Captain), Hassan Eisakhil, Hasan Mahmud, Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali Anik, Johnson Charles, Mohammad Nabi, Haider Ali, Ihsanullah Khan, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Maaz Sadaqat, Ibrar Ahmed, Bilal Sami, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Nazmul Islam Apu, Abu Hasim, Mushfiq Hasan, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Sabbir Hossain
– Ends
