Dhaka: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director Nazmul Abedin Fahim has expressed optimism regarding the Global Super League (GSL) T20 tournament, seeing it as a significant opportunity for Bangladeshi cricketers to bolster their standing in franchise leagues worldwide. Fahim emphasized the potential the tournament holds for local players to showcase their talent on an international platform.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, despite some Bangladeshi players recently participating in domestic T20 leagues globally, their numbers have not been as substantial as anticipated. The upcoming GSL T20 competition, organized by the West Indies Cricket Board from November 27 to December 7, will feature Rangpur Riders representing Bangladesh in its inaugural edition. Fahim highlighted the novelty of a Bangladeshi team participating in such an event, envisioning it as a milestone for the nation’s cricket.
Fahim extended his congratulations to Rangpur Riders, expressing hope for their success in the tournament. He
stressed the importance of this exposure for local players, which could enhance their credentials in T20 cricket. The tournament will see five teams, including Caribbean Premier League team Guyana Amazon Warriors, competing for a US$1 million prize fund across 11 matches. Other participating teams are Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, and Victoria.
The Rangpur Riders squad includes seasoned Bangladesh internationals like Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, and Mahedi Hasan, along with promising international players. Fahim noted that Rangpur Riders represent not just themselves but Bangladesh and the BCB, urging them to perform at their best.
Among the international recruits for Rangpur are Steven Taylor, Khushdil Shah, Matthew Ford, Harmeet Singh, Wayne Madsen, and Jack Chappell. Fahim indicated that the BCB would monitor the performance of local cricketers closely, with a particular interest in those featuring in the national team and emerging talents. He emphasized the import
ance of performing abroad, stating that impressive performances would catch the selectors’ attention.
The Rangpur Riders squad for the 2024 GSL comprises Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Rishad Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Kamrul Islam, Mathew Forde (West Indies), Harmeet Singh (USA), Wayne Madsen (England), and Zak Chappell (England).