Dhaka: Former England International cricketer Dawid Malan expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh cricket for shaping his career, stating that without playing there, he wouldn't have become the player he is today. "You know, I played in the DPL (Dhaka Premier League) years ago, and it feels like 11-12 years now since that happened. I always find my way back here," Malan told the reporters here today. "I'm always, forever grateful for the BPL, the DPL, and Bangladesh cricket for helping my development by allowing me to play in these leagues. Without it, I would not have been the player I am today. Being back in Bangladesh cricket is always a pleasure."
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Malan has been recruited by BPL franchise Fortune Barishal to play the tournament this season. In his first appearance against Dhaka Capital, he made a 41-ball 49 to lead the side to an eight-wicket victory. The former England star, who was once ranked No. 1 T20 batter in ICC rankings, praised his teammate Rishad Hossain, a leg spinner whom he termed as an asset for Bangladesh.
Rishad gained attention during the T20 World Cup last year by taking 14 wickets and ended the year with 35 wickets, the highest by any Bangladeshi bowler in the T20 format in a calendar year. When Bangladesh always found it tough to produce a quality leg spinner, Rishad's arrival was significant, considering that this type of bowler could turn the game on any wicket. Malan believes that the young bowler has the potential to be a decisive force in white-ball cricket.
"He looks fantastic. I think it's really encouraging that Bangladesh have a leg-spinner. Look at the top international teams -- they all have leg-spinners," Malan said. Rishad was recruited to play in the Australian Big Bash League but due to his commitment with Fortune Barishal, he couldn't participate in the tournament that coincides with the BPL. Rishad has recently been signed by Peshawar Zalmi to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Malan emphasized that Rishad should play all domestic T20 leagues around the world to further develop his skills. "They are so tough to play. If you have one, they are able to win you games in white-ball cricket. The challenge is to get him to play as much as you can. The more competitions he can play, the more developed he gets," Malan remarked. "He (Rishad) should play every single league possible, because it's the only way to get better and improve... He is tall, turns the ball both ways, he has got a lot of skills, and he can bat as well."