Holders Usha, who were eliminated by eventual champions Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Club Cup semifinals, will take on newcomers Bangladesh Sporting Club in the opening match of the league at 1.30pm at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium.

Abahani, two days after their 2-1 loss to archrivals Mohammedan in the Club up final, meet Sonali Bank in the day's second match at 3pm.

Both Abahani and Sonali Bank are expected to field foreign players. Abahani will rely on old guard Ronald Kiran of India, who was due to arrive in the capital last night, while the bankers have recruited Indian duo Satinder Singh and Gurinder Singh.

Usha will start without any foreign players but they are expected to bring three Pakistani internationals in addition of a coach.

In absence of Bangladesh Railway, only nine teams will compete in this year's league, which is being held after one season.

The teams: Usha Krira Chakra, Abahani, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club, Ajax Sporting Club, Sadharan Bima, Sonali Bank, Bangladesh Sporting Club and Azad Sporting Club.