|| CF Correspondent ||

Australia all-rounder Ben Cutting who is a familiar face in franchise tournaments, has made his debut in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The 36-year-old cricketer has earned the title of ‘freelance T20 cricketer’ by playing all over the world.

The fast-bowling all-rounder will be representing last year's runners-up, the Sylhet Strikers. Ben shared many insights with Cricfrenzy about his BPL experience so far, the distinctions of BPL from other leagues, and memories of his old friendship with Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman.

Cricfrenzy: It’s your first time in BPL how is the experience so far?

Cutting: This is my first participation in BPL. If I talk about the experience so far, it is quite good. Everything here is very beautiful. Everything I have seen so far in Bangladesh has impressed me. I will be available for the whole season. I’ve been here for a week, still a lot to see and enjoy.

Cricfrenzy: Why did you decline the previous offer to play in the BPL’s?

Cutting: I have always wanted to come to the BPL but it coincided with the Big Bash schedule. I was supposed to come here to play once in the 2018-19 season. At that time BPL was supposed to be held in October-November but later I heard that it was postponed. At that time, the Big Bash was also taking place, so I did not come to the BPL. But look, I am here now. Hope it will be an enjoyable event. I believe I can give a lot to Sylhet.

Cricfrenzy: You have played in different franchises. Now you are playing for Sylhet Strikers. What are your expectations about the new team?

Cutting: I've only been here for seven days. I am having a good time with the Sylhet franchise even though it is short. I am getting acquainted with many people here. I believe that I can give a lot to the team. The most important thing I saw in this team is that there is no external pressure. When there is no outside pressure, the whole team has the opportunity to do well.

Cricfrenzy: What is the difference between BPL and other franchise leagues?

Cutting: Look, every league has its style. But you have to keep IPL on top. You know the reason very well. The standard of IPL is very high and players all over the world look forward to playing it. I have played all over the world, this is my first time in BPL. I like the quality of BPL. As far as I know BPL has been conducted for 10 years. I believe BPL will improve with time. Not only that, bigger cricketers will also come to play here.

Cricfrenzy: What else can be done to improve its quality?

Cutting: You can improve the quality of a league. But the biggest obstacle here is that BPL has to compete with other leagues. For this reason, many big stars may not even won’t be able to come here. I think the schedule of BPL should be changed. Players from all over the world will come here if they can manage a specific time. The value of BPL will increase. From what I have seen and played so far, there is no doubt about the quality of BPL.

Cricfrenzy: No doubt about the quality but surely there is a difference in the wickets here compared to other leagues?

Cutting: In the subcontinent I have played more in India-Pakistan. Coming here for the first time, but comparing the wicket it’s a little different. But you also have to keep in mind what time I'm playing here. Now it's winter in Bangladesh, very cold weather. Because of this, the wickets are a little slower in the day's play. As a result, you have to play wisely. There is dew again in the night game, then it felt a little different. PSL also has a lot of dew during night games. But it benefits the batters.

Cricfrenzy: We saw that Mustafizur Rahman came running to you in the academy field. What happened between you two?

Cutting: Yes, I met Mustafiz at the academy in Mirpur. He came running when he saw me. We talked for a few minutes. He was telling me I was fitter than ever. He looked very fit. Mustafiz is a very hardworking cricketer. That's why he succeeds. I believe you will get more success in the future.

Cricfrenzy: Do you have any memories with Mustafiz?

Cutting: Yes, I have great memories with Mustafiz. We played together in the 2016 IPL. We also won the title for Hyderabad that year. He bowled well in that event. One of the most memorable moments of my career was that IPL. In the final, I played a storming innings and took two wickets. I had a big contribution to the team winning the final. This is one of my biggest career achievements. I was also the man of the match in the final. I have met many people throughout my career, and I have become friends with many people. Fizz is one of them.

Cricfrenzy: You also have experience in playing IPL, T-10 with Shakib

Cutting: Shakib is a great player as a teammate. I played with him in T-10 apart from IPL. We were together in Kolkata Knight Riders in 2021. It was actually during Covid-19. We didn't spend much time together outside the field because of the bio bubble. But sometimes we had discussions in the dressing room of Kolkata. I hope to meet him soon in BPL too.

Cricfrenzy: You played the Youth World Cup together in 2006?

Cutting: Yes, I remember. Bangladesh reached the quarter finals. But we did not play against each other. So no experience playing against Shakib, Mushfiq, or Tamim. Apart from me, Warner, Khawaja also played the Youth World Cup.

Cricfrenzy: Warner, Khawaja have been playing for the national team for a long time. But you didn't get to play much…why?

Cutting: To be honest I wanted to play for Australia in all 3 formats. But the injury set me back quite a bit. I got injured several times and lost my place in the team. No matter how hard I worked or what I did, I couldn't fight the injury. Later I thought I would make my mark in the T20 format. As it was easy for me to adapt quickly to the conditions. I did not have to do much batting and bowling. Now I don't bowl anymore. If necessary, I do a little more. I am more serious about batting.

Cricfrenzy: Is that why it was easy to become a T20 specialist?

Cutting: You can tell. Because T20 requires little effort. Another thing is that I don't need NOC to play (laughs). My job is to work hard, I do that. I work a lot on my fitness. I work on fitness seven days a week, focus on recovery. I had a back injury, which I worked hard to recover from. Now see I am fit.

Cricfrenzy: Do you enjoy the title of freelancer cricketer that has been attached to your name?

Cutting: This is what I love and enjoy. I can visit the whole world. In easy world “a freelance T20 cricketer. But the number of such cricketers in our country is very less. Chris Lynn and I just built this place. We play as freelance T20 cricketers all over the world. I love that so many people are getting inspired by us now. Thinking that one can become a cricketer of this genre.

Cricfrenzy: How can Bangladeshi cricketers learn?

Cutting: I'd say just practice. But it should also be kept in mind that the Bangladeshi cricketers have to throw it out of their heads that I have to hit the ball hard. Find out how to hit big sixes effortlessly in a simple process. Again saw that the players of this country can do many things that I cannot. They can use the speed of the ball to score runs very well.

They are pretty good at sweeping. Knows how to play around the field. Because their wicket gives the cricketers those opportunities. I can't play these on Australian soil. I have to try different ways. They don't have to do what I can do. I have a lot to learn from them. I wish I could do play some of the shots.

Cricfrenzy: How Bangladeshi cricketers can do it?

Cutting: I honestly don't know the answer to that. I have met Bangladeshi players while playing several tournaments. But now they can't play much. Cricket Boards give their NOCs with a lot of thought. But I don't know why the board does this. Cricketers should be allowed to play outside more. This will increase their playing quality and ability. I don't understand why there is so much complexity about NOC.

Cricfrenzy: Well, how do you see the game in Bangladesh?

Cutting: Not seen that often. Their games are played at a time when it is late in the night in Australia. So I don't watch their cricket very closely but sometimes I watch scores online. But I do not want to comment on what they should do and what they should not. I am not in a position to comment on a national team.

Cricfrenzy: As the T20 World Cup will be held in the West Indies and the USA in June. How do you see the potential of Bangladesh?

Cutting: I think they'll do well. The main reason for this is the wicket. West Indies and American wickets will be like subcontinental wickets, a bit slower and lower. I think it's Bangladesh, India or Pakistan or any other two teams they'll roll their eyes. So I think there is a big chance for Bangladesh to do well in 2024 World Cup.