Bijoy ends BPL silence, targets DPL return

Bangla Press Desk:   Bangladesh batter Anamul Haque Bijoy struck a calm yet determined tone on Saturday after completing his signing for the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL), signalling his intent to turn the page after a turbulent period in his career.

The 33-year-old also revisited the controversy that kept him out of the last Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), clarifying his long-standing stance with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). "It was never about an apology," Bijoy told reporters. "It was about clearly stating that I hadn’t done anything wrong. The issue was presented differently by different people, and that wasn’t fair."

The Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited batter admitted the journey has tested him on every front but insisted he is finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

"I had to be very patient," Bijoy said. "Emotionally, mentally and physically, it was tough. But I feel things will move in a positive direction now, Alhamdulillah."

Widely known as the DPL’s "run machine", the top-order batter said he is not fully match-ready yet but remains confident of peaking in time.

“I’m not 100% ready at this moment," he noted. "But I still have around 15 days. I’ve started practising and preparing mentally. I hope to be fully ready before the league begins."

The right-handed batter also addressed the wave of criticism surrounding him in recent months, particularly following his absence from the BPL.

"Everywhere I look, I see negativity," he stated. "There are comments, but nothing positive. I want people to think more positively, as individuals, as a team and as a nation."

"If we can leave negativity behind and maintain a good atmosphere, we can progress in a better way, Insha’Allah," he added.

Bijoy’s move to a rival team highlights his success with Abahani Ltd and Mohammedan. He downplayed the "childhood dream" idea but valued representing a champion outfit.

"We grew up knowing Abahani and Mohammedan as the biggest teams," he explained. "When you play for champion teams, your mindset stays like a champion. This is a great opportunity for me."

However, he confirmed that discussions with the BCB leadership have been respectful and reassuring.

"I’ve spoken with the president and the board. They have given me priority and respect, and I hope that continues," he said.

The wicket-keeper also provided an update on the delayed payment of Tk30 lakh owed to him since the BPL.

"Now it’s with Tamim bhai," he concluded with a laugh, referring to Tamim Iqbal. "The payment is almost ready. I expect it to be settled within five to 10 days." Source: daily Sun

BP/TD