Mohammedan Sporting Club’s Tillakaratne Dilshan hopes that playing in the Dhaka Premier League will help his performances in future international competitions in Bangladesh, the Sri Lankan all-rounder said at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday.
Dilshan, who was preparing to depart for Bogra ahead of today’s match against Prime Doleshwar SC, said that he will ‘try to use this experience for the upcoming Sri Lankan tour in a few months time’.
‘Before the world cup [Sri Lanka] are playing a full series here, and after that the World [Twenty20]. And the Asia Cup is also here,’ he said, ‘[So] this might be helpful for me for upcoming international series.’
He was, however, quick to dispel the idea that he was not completely committed to Mohammedan.
‘In any country or any domestic tournament or in any team, I always want to give a hundred percent to the team. [I give] my full commitment to any team I play on. Not just in Bangladesh, but everywhere,’ he said.
Dilshan said he was happy to be joining Mohammedan, citing past relationship with players and club officials.
‘I’m happy to play with the players here. I played in the last edition of the BPL and Mashrafee was captain of the Dhaka Gladiators. I am happy to join him and play in this tournament.’
‘For the past 5-6 years we are very friendly with the club owners and club members. They gave me an offer and I am happy to play there,’ he added.
The Sri Lankan opener also said that the DPL would be good for the future of Bangladesh cricket and for young Bangladeshi cricketers coming up.
‘I think they [have been] playing very good cricket [for the] last few years, with a lot of youngsters playing good cricket,’ he said.
‘A lot of international players are coming to play in this one-day tournament, and Bangladesh youngsters can use this experience.
‘I think this is a good set up for the future of Bangladesh cricket.’
-With New Age input
