Now, their focus shifts to the 50-over format as the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) gets underway ahead of the upcoming Pakistan series.
Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh the day after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series. The matches will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on March 11, 13 and 15.
Before that, several national stars, including Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Kumar Das will feature in the BCL ODI competition starting Monday in Bogura and Rajshahi.
On the opening day, North Zone will face East Zone in Bogura, while Central Zone take on South Zone in Rajshahi.
North Zone captain Shanto believes the tournament offers crucial preparation ahead of the Pakistan series.
“(For the Pakistan series) it’s a very good tournament for preparation. At the same time, some new cricketers might get the opportunity to play here. For those who are regularly performing in domestic cricket, it’s a big opportunity. For every cricketer, it’s a very good chance.”
While most international matches in Bangladesh are usually held in Dhaka, Chattogram or Sylhet, this edition of the BCL will take place in Bogura and Rajshahi. Shanto expects competitive cricket at both venues.
“All four teams are very good. We’re playing at two very good venues where a lot of runs are scored and the wickets are sporting. From a preparation point of view, I think it’s a very good opportunity. If we can play this tournament well, we’ll be able to go into the Pakistan series with solid preparation.”
Litton Das, who has struggled in recent ODI outings, is also part of Shanto’s side. The stylish right-hander has scored just 13 runs in his last eight ODI matches, including four ducks. However, Shanto dismissed concerns over his teammate’s form.
“The way Litton Das has been playing T20s recently, and he has also been consistent in Tests. I don’t think there is much reason to worry about his ODI form. He is in very good shape, and as a captain, I am not worried at all that Litton is not in a good position in this format.”
“If you look at his recent Test and T20 batting, he’s been outstanding. I’m hopeful that he will deliver something good for the team. He certainly has that maturity, and his experience will help our team a lot.”
With the Pakistan series approaching fast, Bangladesh will be looking to use the BCL as the perfect platform to fine-tune their preparations in the ODI format.
