An Overview Of DPL Teams (7)
Abahani look to end title drought
Abahani Limited will fight hard to end their title drought in the Dhaka Premier League with their young brigade, when they start their campaign this season in October.
Abahani, a record 17-time champions in the league, claimed a hat-trick of titles from 2007-08 to 2009-10. Somehow, they could not continue their dominance in the league as some other teams replaced them, but with their new squad after the end of the player transfers, they are quite optimistic about their chances, according to coach Sarwar Imran.
Imran, who won the last two titles with Gazi Tank Cricketers, is looking forward to trying his luck this time with the Dhanmondi-based club.
‘We will definitely start the league with our eyes firmly fixed on the title,’ Imran told New Age on Thursday.
‘We formed a young and energetic squad who have the capacity to go to the wire in the league,’ said Imran.
‘There are some seasoned cricketers as well as some little known players in our shelves, who can come to limelight with a superb performance,’ said Imran.
Young Liton Kumar Das and Abdul Majid along with their previous year’s opener Al-Amin are expected to fight for the openers’ slot.
Abahani tried to build a solid middle-order, comprised of Forhad Hossain, Roqibul Hasan, Nasir Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain along with Ziaur Rahman.
‘I think the middle-order is our biggest strength,’ said Imran.
‘It can be extended to deep down the order which can challenge the bowling strength of any opponents.
‘Ziaur is working hard and can be someone special if he can keep his cool, controlling rush of blood.’
The spin department will be led by left-arm spinner Saqlain Sajib and Nazmul Hasan, while there will be a special eye on young leg-spin prodigy Zubair Hossain, who was a surprise inclusion in the 23-member preliminary squad for the ongoing West Indies tour.
‘So far, he looks to be promising. It is still very early to make a comment as his real potential is expected to be tested in this season,’ said Imran.
The pace attack will be made up of Al-Amin Hossain, young Mustafizur Rahman and Shubhasish Roy.
The presence of Nasir Hossain, who joined them at the last moment, can bolster the strength of the side, if he can shine with the bat as he is always expected to and at times with the ball.
Squad
Al Amin, Al Amin-2, Shubhashish Roy, Nasir Hossain, Forhad Hossain, Ziaur Rahman, Nazmul Hossain, Abdul Majid, Mustafizur Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Liton Kumar Das, Roqibul Hasan, Saqlain Sajib,
Zubair Hossain Likhon.
-With New Age input
