Eight teams, split into two groups for the robin league, are taking part in the tourney which will be played only on Friday. The teams include Philips Bangladesh, BOC Bangladesh Ltd, Nestle Bangladesh, Credit Agricole Indosuez, SK&F, British-American Tobacco Bangladesh Limited, Babylon Group and The Daily Star.
On the inaugural day, British-American Tobacco Bangladesh Limited, who are also part sponsoring the tournament, will take on SK&F. The tournament this year will therefore be called ``JPGL Lights Professionals' Cup 1998.''
The idea of holding such a tournament was hatched when some professionals realised they did not stand a chance in the prestigious Office League, usually played by the country's top cricketing professionals working for different organisations.
Despite having keen interest in cricket, a vast majority of office executives, employees and others were not able to play in a tournament. The Professionals' Cup will only be open for personnel of the participating organisations. One of the conditions for participation is that the players must not be currently signed up with any league, club or professional cricketing group.
The Professionals' Cup tournament 1998 committee members are:
Altaf Hossain, President; Mahmudur Rahman,
Vice President; Mustafizur Rahman,
Vice President; Anwarul Kabir,
General Secretary; Shamsuddin Ahmed,
Treasurer; Sayeedur Rahman,
Joint Secretary; Saiduzzaman,
Organising Secretary; Morshed Ali Khan,
Secretary-Media Coverage; Maroof Hasan,
Secretary-Activity (1); Murad Morshed,
Secretary-Activity (2); Motiur Rahman,
Secretary-Activity (3); Rabeed Imam,
Secretary-Public Relations and Secretary-Sports & Culture; Towfik Elahi.