The 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League T20 got underway today amid fans' protests outside the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, as they complained of not getting tickets to watch the opening day proceedings.

A few hours before the start of the opening match between reigning champions Fortune Barishal and Durbar Rajshahi, fans gathered in large numbers in front of the main gate of the Mirpur stadium. They even broke the main gate in protest of the BCB's ticketing system.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

When the team bus of the Rajshahi franchise arrived at the main gate to enter the stadium, the fans didn't allow the bus entry, and later, it had to change the route to take the players and staff into the stadium. Even the personal car of Khulna Tigers' captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz was blocked by the protesters. 

Later, the Bangladesh Army dispersed the angry fans to normalise the situation for the time being. However, fans were seen in long queues to enter the stadium and watch their favourite teams playing.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Meanwhile, the outside scenario hardly had any impact on the play as Barishal skipper Tamim Iqbal won the toss and elected to field first against Rajshahi. This followed a short opening ceremony, where the guests released balloons and pigeons to kick off the tournament.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Starting XIs:

Durbar Rajshahi: Anamul Haque Bijoy (c), Mohammad Haris, Jishan Alam, Akbar Ali, Yasir Ali, SM Meherob Hasan, Ryan Burl, Lahiru Samarakoon, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Hasan Murad, and Taskin Ahmed.

Fortune Barishal: Tamim Iqbal (c), Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Kyle Mayers, Mohammad Nabi, Faheem Ashraf, Tanvir Islam, Ripon Mondol, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.