Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which kicked off on 22nd December last year, concluded on Wednesday, bringing the curtain down on the 2023-24 football season after five and a half months of action.
Bashundhara Kings secured a remarkable treble this year, with Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) finishing runners-up in all three competitions. Abahani Limited (ABL), who were runners-up in both the Federation Cup and League last season, endured a disappointing campaign, failing to secure any silverware.
As has been a recurring theme, the league was heavily influenced by foreign players. Only two Bangladeshis, Rakib Hossain of Bashundhara Kings and Rabbi Hossain Rahul of Brothers Union, managed to break into the top 15 goalscorers. Rakib netted 10 goals, while Rahul managed 6.
This dominance by foreign players is sure to be a concern for Javier Cabrera, the national team coach. Abahani's Grenadian forward, Stuart Cornelius, topped the scoring charts with a staggering 19 goals. The Black & Whites' Malian forward, Moussa Camara, finished second with 17 goals, while Dorielton of Bashundhara Kings came in third with 14.
The league witnessed only five hat-tricks across 90 matches, all of which came against Brothers Union. Abahani's Cornelius scored two of these, while the remaining three were netted by MSC's Soleiman Diabate, Sheikh Russell's Landry and Bangladesh Police's Eddie Garcia.
