Photo: Collected

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 20, 2025 (BSS)—Durbar Rajshahi Captain Anamul Haque Bijoy believes that lack of opportunity to play franchise cricket around the world hindered Bangladesh players way to prove them despite possessing an immense talent.

The Bangladesh players had already showed that they have the power-hitting skill, required to play the top leagues as evidenced in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), said Bijoy. 

“In this BPL, we have seen some top notch knocks from Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Zakir Hasan, Shamim Patwari and others,” he said here today.

“Afif also played well. I may miss some names but most of the Bangladeshi players demonstrated their skill in this BPL and the preceding NCL T20. But our boys don't get that many opportunities in foreign leagues. Bangladeshi players play less in franchises crickets.  Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur, Taskin played some leagues around the world but apart from them, opportunity for others are minimal.”

Bijoy cited the example of Afghanistan cricketers that how they got the opportunity to make them ready-product even before playing in the national team

"Most of the non-capped Afghan players are playing in the Big Bash and IPL. They are becoming big players by playing those leagues. We also have that quality,” Bijoy remarked.

“When you will be in the top league, you can have the chance to prove yourselves. The names I mentioned earlier have the potential. Performer is more important than talent. They didn’t play big innings but the innings they played were impactful. If they can be consistent, then they will become good players.”

Bijou himself has been in good form in the ongoing BPL, having made 324 runs in eight innings that put him in the second spot in batting chart behind Tanzid Hasan Tamim (330) so far.

He also hit his first century in BPL but his 57 ball-100 couldn’t help his side win the game against Khulna Tigers yesterday night. It was overall his third century in recognized T20 cricket. 

When Bijoy was waiting for a single to complete his century, Durbar Rajshahi's defeat was already confirmed. Despite completing a century with the last ball of the match, the Rajshahi captain had to leave the field dissatisfied. 

Rajshahi required 17 runs in the last over to overhaul Khulna massive 209-4. However, Hasan Mahmud bowled a good over to deny Rajshahi the victory.

But Bijoy played shots around the wicket on his way to remaining unbeaten 100 runs off 57 balls with nine fours and five sixes. After the match, Bijoy also talked about his '360 degree' batting. 

“Actually, I have nothing special to say about my innings. I was watching the scoreboard to see how close the match could be, how the run rate was going. I tried to play according to the ball. I could be at peace if we would have won the game. Winning such a match is like a dream for a batter. Everyone hopes that he will win five or six such matches in his career. So despite a century there is regret,” he said. 

“You may call it ‘360 degree’ but the innings we see, I will say the coach, the thrower, the people who are close to me, were behind for it. I start practice since morning everyday. Whether it's 360 degrees or unorthodox shots, these are opportunities for the batter. While playing, I thought about how I can get a boundary at the end of the power play.”