This was not only because that this year's curtain raiser domestic competition, scheduled to kick off on October 1, has already become a laughing stock but also due to the overall environment of the venue.

The feeling of bemusement was intensified considering the circumstances of the visit, a stark contrast to the last time the players called on the national number one stadium.

For last few months the premier venue of the country has emerged as the pile of construction materials due to the authority's lazy renovation work while the gathering of a political party at the adjacent Paltan Maidan simply added more bother.

However, the decline of the tournament itself was the real concern for out-of-favour batsman Tushar Imran who along with his colleagues appeared to complete formalities for last year's runners-up Epyllion.

"You people know everything. Actually players are the ultimate sufferers. What happens with the players' registration is simply unfortunate although there was great excitement when it was launched two years back," said Epyllion captain Tushar, whose side's appearance gave the otherwise boring first day bourse a little meaning.

The organisers were idling for an hour until the star-studded Epyllion arrived in the scene by roping in national players like vice-captain Shahriar Nafees and pacer Shahadat Hossain although both will miss the group matches due to their commitment with the national team for next month's ICC Champions Trophy in India.

Epyllion, who have recruited sixteen players out of the total of fifty-three registered, also signed Tapash Baisya, Faisal Hossain, young wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim, Enamul Haque, Nazmus Sadat, Tareq Aziz Khan and Nazimuddin.

Biman were the other well-known side that meant business by registering nine players, most of them youngsters, while newcomers StarTel, Syfan Fan and Channel F2 were the other active houses.

But the interesting fact was that there were a considerable number of players who signed for little-known corporate houses without any assurance about the financial package.

"We didn't get any financial guarantee from my team but like me, most of them are at least playing in the season's first tournament. We are actually helpless," said a young cricketer.

The yet-to-be-stars were unsure in their search for teams as they were not aware of the people running the new teams.

"Have you got a team, friend?" was the talking point amongst them during the bourse.

With all the odd goings-on, member secretary of the CCL committee Ali Hossain was puzzled that he had to do everything to organise the meet although a board vice-president, Shah Nurul Kabir Shaheen, headed the tournament committee.

"What can I do? We have even failed to arrange a sponsor for the meet," said Ali, whose frustration was just a reflection of the day's transfer scene.