Bangladesh skipper Shanto wants players to take part in PSL

PSL

Bangladesh skipper Shanto wants players to take part in PSL

Online Desk

8 hrs ago

Nahid Rana with Najmul Hossain Shanto, file photo

Bangladeshi cricketers rarely get opportunities in foreign franchise leagues, and even when they do, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains a challenge. This has been a recurring topic of debate.

The upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to begin on April 11, with Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana, Litton Das, and Rishad Hossain securing spots through the draft.

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Nahid Rana [R], Litton Das [M], Rishad Hossain, Cricfrenzy

However, their participation remains uncertain due to Bangladesh’s Test series against Zimbabwe during the same period.

BCB President Faruque Ahmed recently stated that none of the players have applied for an NOC yet. However, national team captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto believes Bangladeshi cricketers should take part in such tournaments.

Speaking to the media in Mirpur during the ongoing Dhaka Premier League (DPL), where he is playing for Abahani Limited alongside Nahid Rana, Nazmul emphasized the benefits of franchise leagues.

“I think our players should play in these types of tournaments. Franchise cricket is important, but it depends on the board, coach, and overall team management,” said the Bangladesh skipper.

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Nazmul Abedin Fahim speaks during an Iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association on Friday, Cricfrenzy

He further highlighted the exposure and experience players can gain from participating in overseas leagues.

“If our cricketers start playing in foreign franchise leagues, they will gain valuable experience and learn to take responsibility. Sharing the dressing room with international stars will be a great learning opportunity. I hope our players get more chances to play in such tournaments,” he added.

Among Bangladesh’s emerging talents, Nahid Rana has garnered significant attention for his express pace. The 22-year-old fast bowler has been a talking point in world cricket, and Nazmul also expressed his excitement about Nahid’s potential.

“He is a great asset for our cricket. The way the world is discussing him is very encouraging. The national team’s physios and Abahani’s management are carefully handling his workload. He is maintaining his energy and remains fit,” Nazmul said.

Meanwhile, Abahani sits at the top of the DPL points table after five rounds. However, Nazmul has struggled with the bat, scoring just 78 runs in four innings without a fifty, at a low strike rate of 53.79. Nevertheless, he remains unconcerned about his form.

“As long as the team is winning matches, I am not too worried about my own batting,” he concluded.