Imrul Kayes wants to build WCL team with Tamim-Mushfiq-Riyad

Franchise League
Imrul Kayes wants to build WCL team with Tamim-Mushfiq-Riyad
Imrul Kayes with Mushfiqur Rahim, File Photo
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Online Desk
· 2 min read
Many cricketers, after retiring from international cricket, turn to coaching or commentary. In the past, staying directly connected to the game as a player was rare, but that has changed. Today, former stars frequently participate in various franchise leagues around the world.

For years, the Road Safety World Series has been a regular feature, and last year World Championship of Legends tournament was launched — featuring big names like Shahid Afridi, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh. However, former Bangladeshi cricketers have occasionally been seen in such events.

Abdur Razzak last appeared in the Road Safety World Series, and once, under Khaled Mahmud Sujon’s leadership, a Bangladesh team took part in the event — but they haven’t returned since.

There were rumours about Mashrafe Bin Mortaza joining, but it never happened. Now, that absence may soon be filled, as former national team star Imrul Kayes revealed that talks are ongoing to form a Bangladesh side for the Legends tournament.

Although unable to confirm details, Imrul acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding players like Shakib Al Hasan, who has yet to retire officially. Still, he believes that if stars such as Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, and himself join, Bangladesh could field a formidable side.

“In Sha Allah, you might see it happen. There’s a big Bangladeshi audience in England, and discussions have already started. The tournament committee is keen to give us a team. If we can bring in Tamim, Mushfiq, Riyad, and even Shakib — although he hasn’t retired yet — it’ll be Bangladesh’s best possible team. We’re still playing cricket, so it would be a competitive side. I’d love to do it, but it depends on everyone’s willingness.” Imrul told Cricfrenzy during an exclusive interview.

Currently, Imrul is pursuing permanent residency in Australia and has received offers to play domestic cricket there. However, he has not ruled out appearances in Bangladesh’s cricket scene, planning to play in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), though he confirmed he will skip the upcoming NCL T20.

“I came back from Australia some time ago, spent a while in Singapore, and will soon return to Australia. Apart from DPL and BPL, I’m no longer actively involved in domestic cricket. I retired from first-class cricket last year, so I’ve stepped away to some extent. I won’t play in the NCL T20 because from the 6th, I’ll be playing in the Australian Premier League. Overall, my career path has shifted to a different direction now.” Imrul said.

Read more: : Imrul Kayes