DHAKA, Jan 13, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter Liton Das refused
to cite his record-breaking BPL century as the answer for the selectors who
dropped him from the Champions Trophy-bound squad.

A few hours after Liton was axed from the squad, he smashed a brilliant
century to help his side Dhaka Capitals post a highest total in the BPL
history and snap their six-match losing streak.

Liton who reached the three-figure mark in just 44 balls - which is the
fastest ever for a Bangladeshi batter in BPL and second fastest overall was
unbeaten on 125 off 55, clobbering 10 fours and nine sixes.

"I am not out there to prove to anyone. I only look for improvement. I don't
think I was playing well for the last few months, which is why I was dropped.
I will try to become more consistent from this point, especially after this
innings," Liton said after his record-breaking knock.

"It's not answer to anyone else. The selectors feel that I didn't fit in the
team at this moment. If they feel I am fit enough they might give me the
chance to make a comeback. I am focusing on BPL and thinking how I can do
well."

Liton just made 13 runs in his last seven ODIs and if his last five ODIs are
taken into consideration, he scored just six runs with three ducks.

Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu said Liton needs to work on his game
more intensively to make a strong comeback.

"The pattern of his dismissal is similar. The opposition analysts are now
successful with their plan against him. He couldn't do anything to ruin their
plan. So it's high time that he should be given a break to work on his game,"
Ashraf, also a former skipper of Bangladesh said.

Liton said he was given a clear message about his axe from the team.

"Clear message was given regarding my axe but maybe that is not through the
selectors. But I think everyone knows why I am left out. I was not
performing and it is open and there is nothing to hide," he remarked.

Liton also kicked off the BPL season poorly with scores of 31, 0, 2 and 9
before making 73 and 125 not out in consecutive games. The hundred helped
Dhaka Capital snapped a six-match losing streak.

He shared a 241-run opening stand with Tanzid Hasan Tamim who also made 108.
That was the second highest partnership in men's T20 cricket and highest by
any wicket in BPL history.

Thanks to their effort, Dhaka posted 254-1 before dismissing Durbar Rajshahi
for just 105 to record a 149-run victory. Liton believes the victory will be
a stepping stone for them to perform better in the second half of the BPL season.

"We have a good team but we haven't been able to click so far. I think today
was the first time we performed as a unit, both with bat and ball. We still
have five matches left and so I think we have a chance to make it to the
playoffs," he concluded.