Mouth-watering HCT on the cards

When it comes to the Dhaka Premier Division Hockey League, the title race always ends up being confined to two to three teams but the inaugural Hockey Champions Trophy (BCT) appears to be heading for a different route, especially after the completion of the players' draft yesterday.

Amid a festive mood among the corporate houses, all six participating teams have completed the formation of their respective squads, with the collection of 17 players -- including four foreigners -- through a long three-hour players' draft under five categories: Icon, A+, A, B and C.

The main attraction of the players' draft was who were going to be six icon players among 19 national players. In the end, defender Ashraful Islam, goalkeeper Biplob Kujur, defender Rezaul Karim Babu, midfielder Sohanur Rahman Sabuj, forward Rasel Mahmud Jimmy and midfielder Roman Sarker were picked as the icon players by the participating teams, who confirmed them in line with the teams' plan.

The coaches of all participating teams admitted no team is tipped as favourites, especially after the way the players have been distributed. The teams had been given the list of drafted players -- consisting of 187 local and 24 foreign players -- and yesterday, the teams picked 78 local players and 24 foreign players to form their respective squads based on lottery. "As there was a matter of luck in the lottery, we could not get the first three goalkeepers we attempted to rope in as other teams picked them ahead of us," said Acme advisor coach Mahabub Harun after the completion of the players' draft at a private club in the capital city.

Saif Powertech Khulna assistant coach Ashiquzzaman said, "I think all teams have equal strength, with the inclusion of local and foreign players who are also of similar standard."

"Except a couple of players, we got all expected players according to our plan but no team can say that they have formed the best squad," Rupayan Cumilla assistant coach Moshiur Rahman Biplob said.

However, the assistant coaches are worried over the fitness of foreign players.

"Though all teams seem to have equal strength, I think the foreign players will make the difference in the match. However, we don't have any idea of the performance and physical condition of the foreign players at the moment as we chose them by seeing their biodata," said Walton Dhaka assistant coach Zahid Hossain Raju.

Metro Express Barisal assistant coach Moududur Rahman Shuvo said, "As the teams still have an option to rope in a player under the direct signing category, a good foreign player can play a vital role in deciding the match."

"What if any teams are good on paper but not good on the ground? So everything depends on the performance," said Morch Padma assistant coach Shahidullah Titu.

All teams are expected to start the preparation within a couple of days, with the league getting underway on October 28 at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium.