BPL fever takes hold in Mirpur
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been one of the biggest attractions for cricketers of the country and ahead of the sixth edition starting on January 5, the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur has become the venue where players of all team converge.
Yesterday was no exception with the biggest names of Bangladesh cricket like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and many others cricketers gathered at the Academy ground for the training sessions of their respective teams.
“I think the inclusion of Steve Smith will not only benefit the team but it will also help him. He will be able to play matches to make a comeback to the national team. Actually I am fascinated for all the players in the team, not just an individual.” Mohammad Salahuddin, Coach Comilla Victorians
But the return of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza to the cricket field after being elected a member of parliament in the recently concluded national election was the centre of all the attractions.
It was the first time that the Bangladesh ODI skipper came to the home of cricket in Mirpur since his successful election campaign. The inspirational cricketer, who is suffering from a slight hamstring injury, spent some time at the gym.
Mashrafe will once again lead the defending champions Rangpur Riders this season, but there was no official training session for the franchise yesterday.
The 35-year-old was greeted by his national teammates and journalists present at the ground, but the new MP chose not to speak to the media.
Another one attracting a lot of attention was former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful, who will play for Chittagong Vikings this season for the first time after completing his five-year ban from international cricket for his involvement in match and spot-fixing during the BPL in 2013.
Ashraful was greeted by Shakib and Tamim before he met his childhood friend Mashrafe in the gymnasium. The two friends shared memories of late singer Azam Khan, of whom both cricketers were big fans. They also talked about the general election with Mashrafe asking Ashraful whether he voted.
Later, Ashraful spoke to the media about his return to the BPL, saying that he still dreams of playing for the national team.
“I have faced the punishment for my guilt and was out for five years and nine months. I have admitted my mistake, received the punishment and also played domestic cricket over the last two years. I played relatively well in the Dhaka [Premier] League and also the BCL [Bangladesh Cricket League] recently. But those games were not telecast. BPL is an international standard tournament and I feel lucky to be a part of it again.”
Shakib Al Hasan was happy to meet Ashraful as all the players converged on the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Photo: STAR
