Mahmudullah, Ashraful lead Bangladesh's WCL return

Bangladesh are set to enter a new chapter of their former-internationals cricket when Bangladesh Champions make their debut in the World Championship of Legends next month, with Mahmudullah Riyad and Mohammad Ashraful among the most prominent names in the squad.

The third edition of the WCL will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 18. Bangladesh are joining the competition for the first time alongside India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies.

Mahmudullah will lead the Bangladesh Champions side. The squad also includes Ashraful, Rubel Hossain, Imrul Kayes, Rony Talukdar, Nasir Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Ziaur Rahman, Enamul Haque Jr., Jahurul Islam Omi, Shuvagata Hom, Abu Jayed Rahi and Fazle Mahmud.

For Mahmudullah, the assignment adds another competitive appearance to a career that spanned Bangladesh's rise as a major white-ball side. Ashraful, meanwhile, returns to a tournament environment that brings together former international cricketers from different generations.

Bangladesh Champions will begin their campaign against Pakistan Champions in Sharjah on October 3. The seven teams will play a round-robin league, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for October 18 in Sharjah.

The competition gives Bangladesh's former internationals an opportunity to represent the country again, this time in a tournament specifically built around retired stars. It also puts them into a six-match league programme against familiar names from other major cricket nations.

The Bangladesh side will therefore have a mixture of experience from different eras, but the focus will naturally fall on Mahmudullah as captain and Ashraful as one of the squad's most recognisable figures.

Their opening fixture against Pakistan will mark Bangladesh Champions' first appearance in the WCL and the beginning of a campaign that will reunite several former national players on the international cricket stage.