Bangladesh Premier League 2023-24 kicks off with four opening day fixtures at as many different venues Friday.
Six-time professional league champions Abahani Limited take on Rahmatganj MFS in the inaugural match at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj at 2:30pm.
Two other matches will kick off at the same time with Bangladesh Police FC facing Chittagong Abahani at Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh and Fortis FC playing Mohammedan Sporting Club at Muktijuddho Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi.
Holders Bashundhara Kings, who clinched the BPL title for record four consecutive times last season, begin their campaign hosting Brothers Union at Kings Arena at 4:30pm.
This time, a total of 10 teams will be taking part in the top-flight league after the late withdrawal of newly promoted Gopalganj SC due to the club's financial constraints.
The remaining two sides - Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra - will vie with each other in the opening round's last fixture at Kings Arena Saturday.
All the matches of the first phase are scheduled to be held only on the weekend, Friday and Saturday.