The doubts about the participation of Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League came to an end on Thursday after Chittagong Kings gained an approval from the BPL governing council for his services.
Chittagong Kings and Duranto Rajshahi and Dhaka Gladiators were locked in a three-way battle for his services after the Australian, regarded as one of the quickest bowlers in the world, surprisingly had remained unsold at the players’ auction.
Under the BPL rule, a franchise can avail the services of any player by applying to the governing council on a first-come-first-serve basis if that player doesn’t get a team in the auction.
Kings became successful as they applied for Tait on December 23, six days before the Gladiators, who showed their interest on December 29 as they sought a replacement for Lasith Malinga.
Duranto publicly expressed their interest in Tait but did not formally apply to the BPL governing council.
Though the technical committee approved Tait for Kings and submitted it to the governing council, the authorities took their time before giving a final approval which the franchise said made them frustrated at one stage.
Their frustration doubled when it was reported that Tait was keen on playing for Gladiators. While he was being sold at the base price of $75,000 it was argued that he can choose his team if there is more than one interested franchises.
BPL governing council member-secretary Ismail Haider Mallik confirmed on Thursday confirmed that they had approved Tait for Kings while his compatriot Dirk Nannes was given to Sylhet Royals.
Gladiators announced that they have ensured the services of South African pacer Alfonso Thomas. In Chittagong Kings, Tait will replace Pakistani cricketer Saeed Anwar Jr, who is injured and made himself unavailable.
In a media release on Thursday, Gladiators said Thomas will replace Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga, who has a slight injury. Malinga was bought at the auction for $115,000 by Gladiators despite his agent claiming to media that the pacer had never wished to play in the competition.
Meanwhile, in another media release, Chittagong Kings announced that they have retained all-rounder Mahmudullah as captain for the second edition of the tournament.
‘The national team’s vice-captain has been retained as captain of the team for the second consecutive year after showing his potentiality as a leader in the inaugural edition of the BPL,’ said Kings.
‘We have full faith in Mahmudullah’s ability as a dynamic captain. We believe he will be able to lead the side from the front till the very end through his vast knowledge and cricketing skill,’ Kings owner Sameer Quader Chowdhury was quoted as saying in the media release.
It also added to have confirmed the service of in-form middle order batsman Mehrab Hossain Jr at his base price $10,000. Mehrab , who scored a century and a double century in two consecutive Bangladesh Cricket League matches, went unsold in the auction.
-With New Age input
