Back-to-back Premier League winners Victoria was the first team to upset the pre-transfer speculation when they retained the services of left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak. It was widely expected that the slow bowler, one of the 13 cricketers bracketed in the nation-al pool, would join Mohammedan Sporting Club.

But the Khulna cricketer, who was reported for having a suspect action on debut during the Asia Cup and has been going through a rectifying process now, relieved the Victorians.

Victoria also held on to the services of middle-order batsman Anisur Rahman, opener Rafiqul Islam, wicketkeeper Mohammad Salim and all-rounder Nuru-zzaman.

Besides, they also lured Mohammedan's opener Ehsanul Haque, Development Squad paceman Shafaq Al Zabir, BKSP's talented batsman Shakib Al Hassan, and Brothers Union opener Gazi Salahuddin.

The Arambagh-based club has also confirmed the services of their coach Mohammad Salahuddin, who transformed the mediocre team into a winning force since taking over after the sad demise of Dawlatuzzaman.

Biman, who escaped relegation last year, was the other big Premier League Club that enjoyed a happy harvesting. In an effort to strengthen their batting line-up the national flag-carrier roped in ex-national cricketer Sanwar Hossain from Mohammedan, all-rounder Humayun Kabir (Indira Road) and City Club's wicket-keeper-batsman Sajjad Kadir.

They have also signed up Mohammad Sharif, the national pace bowler who is trying to make a comeback after a long groin injury, Abahani's seamer Russel, Surjo Tarun's left-arm spinner Elias Sunny and Mosharraf Hossain of Brothers.

The national airliner also confirmed that prolific opening batsman Rashedul Haque, experienced left-arm pacer Anisur Rahman and wicketkeeper Golam Mortuza would be staying.

Although Mohammedan missed out on getting spinner Razzak, the popular Motijheel outfit however gained some solace with the capture of Mashrafee-bin-Mortuza from City Club. The Narail quick, a late arrival at the transfer market, is looking forward to taking the ball after missing a year due to chronic injury.

Starving for Premier League glory for the last five years, Mohammedan however roped in Victoria's out-of-favour national left-arm pacer Manjurul Islam, picked up City Club's middle-order batsman Mazharul Haque and promising Dhanmondi Club batsman Wasel Uddin.

While Mohammedan made some gains on the opening day their bitter rivals and a permanent force in the domestic scene Abahani Krira Chakra did not turn up.

The popular Dhanmondi-based club might be the biggest losers this season as a number of high-profile names including their long-serving captain Akram Khan have decided to find a new place.

Abahani's absence has inspired Brothers Union officials to hold talks with Javed Omar, Tapash Baisya and Aftab Ahmed who were set to join Abahani.

A total of 41 cricketers took part in the opening day's transfer with 32 deciding to switch clubs.