Star Power Shines as BCL Begins Under National Coaches

Bangla Press Desk:   The much-anticipated One-Day edition of the 12th Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) gets underway on Monday, with most of the country’s leading players spread across four teams at two venues.

On the opening day, East Zone will face North Zone at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura, while Central Zone take on South Zone at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium.

The tournament will be played in a 50-over format to assist players in preparing for the upcoming One Day Internationals against Pakistan, who are scheduled to tour Bangladesh in March for a three-match series.

The star-studded BCL will be closely observed by the national team coaching staff, including head coach Phil Simmons, senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, pace bowling coach Shaun Tait and spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed.

North Zone captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is eager to deliver a strong performance in front of the national coaches on what he described as a solid Bogura wicket.

“I expect a very good and competitive match,” he said on Sunday. 

“The wicket looks sporting and should benefit both batting and bowling. The team that plays better cricket will win, but I believe we have a very balanced side. If we play our best cricket, the result should go in our favour.”

He also believes the BCL will serve as ideal preparation ahead of the Pakistan ODI series.

“This is an excellent tournament for preparation. It provides opportunities for new cricketers as well as those who play regularly in the domestic circuit. All four teams are strong, and we are playing at two very good venues where high scores are common. If we perform well here, we will head into the Pakistan series with solid preparation,” he explained.

On paper, North Zone are regarded as one of the favourites, boasting players such as Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Kumer Das, Towhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana. Mahedi Hasan was also part of the North Zone squad but had to return home after his mother passed away on Sunday.

East Zone captain Yasir Ali Rabbi also expressed confidence in his squad, which includes Parvez Hossain Emon, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan. It was learnt that pace-bowling all-rounder Tanzim is carrying a minor back issue, which may prompt East Zone management to consider resting him for the opening match.

“Well, first of all, yes, they are a very good team, MashaAllah, but by the grace of Allah, we are also a very good team,” Yasir said. “They mentioned there is 3mm of grass on the wicket; yes, I saw the wicket is quite hard. So I feel the first 10 overs — the initial phase of the game — will be a bit challenging for the batsmen.”

“But as the day progresses, I believe the wicket will get even better, Insha’Allah. In my opinion, the Bogura wicket has always been a sporting wicket, a good wicket. Runs are usually scored here. I think it will be a good contest,” he added.

Central Zone captain Mahidul Islam Ankon’s squad received a late boost with experienced fast bowler Taskin Ahmed joining the side after not being part of the original roster.

“From what I understand, Taskin bhai has been allowed to play matches. However, I don’t think he is permitted to play the first match yet. Hopefully, he will be available from the second match. A player like Taskin joining our team definitely makes us more balanced,” Ankon said.

He added that the presence of the national coaching staff has injected greater intensity into the competition.

“It’s very positive for everyone. Even the young players are getting the chance to face them and interact with them. It’s a big boost for us. They are observing us closely, speaking with the bowlers — it’s definitely a positive aspect for our team,” he said.

South Zone coach Mohammad Ashraful echoed those sentiments, noting that the involvement of the national coaches will benefit the country’s leading cricketers.

“This time it’s a bit different. All our foreign coaches, all the national team coaches, including assistant coach Salahuddin bhai, are present at the two grounds. Since the players have the Pakistan series ahead, they will try to take the best possible preparation from these four matches,” he said. Source: daily Sun
BP/TD