Smith unclear about BPL participation
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|| CF Correspondent ||
Steve Smith seems to be confused about his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) albeit Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) barred the player from the T20 tournament due to a by-law violation.
The right-hander was expected to join Comilla Victorians as a replacement for Asela Gunratne, following Shoaib Malik’s departure for Pakistan’s tour of South Africa. However, objections were raised by the other franchises in the competition, since Smith was not part of the players’ draft.
“At the moment, I’m just preparing to play and I’m excited by that prospect,” said Smith.
“I was going to play in the Bangladesh [Premier] League. I don’t know what’s happening there.
“But then I’ve got the Pakistan [Super] League and the IPL, which I think is adequate preparation for the World Cup, if I’m selected.”
Smith’s top-level journey in 2019 will start with the Pakistan Super League. He has been retained by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals as well.
The batsman’s one-year ban handed by Cricket Australia, will end in March next year, before the IPL.
“The way one-day games are played now, it’s almost an extended T20 in a way. T20 cricket is a good way to prepare and the IPL is one of the best tournaments around the world and from what I’ve heard about the Pakistan League – it’s a par quality,” he said.
Another banned Aussie batsman, David Warner, will play for Sylhet Sixers in the BPL, starting on January 5.
