Defending champion Comilla Victorians captain Imrul Kayes vowed to retain their title in the ninth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League starting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.

Comilla will encounter Rangpur Riders in the day’s second tie at 7:15 p.m, further back, Chattogram Challengers will take on Sylhet Strikers in the day’s opening game at 2:30 p.m.

‘Comilla always forms a team to be a champion. This year as well, they have the same plan. 'We'd like to defend the title this season as well, so we'd have to play better cricket," Imrul said on Thursday in Mirpur.

Meanwhile, Rangpur captain Nurul Hasam also vowed to win the title, and to achieve success, he is relying on his young teammates alongside the all-rounders.

‘Of course we would be hoping for the championship. I am yet to touch the trophy, and I will once I become the champion. We have a young and energetic side and also have many all-rounders.’

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who is set to lead Sylhet, also promised to seal the title of the competition, adding that they need to perform well when they will encounter their counterparts during the competition.

‘Each and every team wants to be the champion, and we are not exceptional from that point of view. Therefore, we would need to perform our gleaming shows.’

Chattogram skipper Shuvagata Hom also echoed Mashrafe.

‘Alike others I also have the same target. We battle to secure the crown.’