Taskin Ahmed . Photo : Collected

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 21, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed was not
fazed by the Pakistan Super League (PSL) snub, saying that his prime target
is to do well for Bangladesh and in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League
(BPL).

"Is there anything to be upset about," Taskin said here when asked if he is
disappointed by not getting a team during the recent PSL draft in Lahore.

"My prime target is to serve my country and do well wherever I play. I am not
fazed by those things. I know if I can keep playing well, opportunities will
definitely come."

Taskin was reportedly approached by IPL franchises multiple times but
couldn't avail those opportunities due to not getting No Objection
Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

"There were several opportunities for me to play in the IPL. At least three
times, I could remember. So it's not an upset for me. If it had frustrated
me, I would've hung myself by now. I wasn't destined to be there (PSL)
indeed. There will be a lot more chances in the future, I hope."

In his International career, spanning over a decade, Taskin played a
franchise T20 tournament outside the BPL in Lankan Premier League (LPL) only.

Taskin, however, said he even was not communicated by any franchise following
the draft but he may get a chance to play if any team needs any replacement.
 
"I didn't get any team in the draft but that's not the end of the world. In
franchise cricket, any team may need a replacement at any time. It's the same
for the PSL. Personally, I didn't talk to anyone. Agents actually handle
these things so I haven't been in communication with any franchises," said
the fast bowler who so far topped the BPL bowling chart with 20 wickets from
nine matches.

Three Bangladesh players-- Nahid Rana, Rishad Hossain and Liton Das-- got
team from the PSL draft recently. Peshwar Zalmi roped in Nahid Rana, Liton
went for Karachi Kings and Rishad was recruited by Lahore Qalandars.

Taskin was named as Durbar Rajshahi captain, replacing Anamul Haque Bijoy but
his first outing as the captain of the franchise was forgettable one as his
side conceded a massive 111-run defeat to Chittagong Kings.

"It's (captaincy) the decision of the owner and the team management," Taskin
said about the captaincy. "I have been playing with Bijoy since the Under-19
team. I have also talked with him regarding this issue. Everyone reached a
consensus to name me captain. My only focus is to do well in BPL now."