Preview: Barisal Burners
Counting on NOCs
Barisal Burners were one of the most hyped teams during the inaugural edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for a number of reasons. From acquiring the services of Chris Gayle, albeit for a short period of time, to being on the winning end of the ‘semifinal controversy’ last year, the Burners consistently hit the headlines. They eventually lost to Dhaka in the finals. Like the previous year, Barisal will depend a lot on their foreign players. With a number of hard-hitting Pakistani players in the side, the Burners will be dearly hoping that Pakistani players receive their no-objection certificates.
KEY PLAYERS
The phrase ‘old is gold’ goes well with all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who despite being in his late 30s, still manages to pack a punch in the shortest format of the game. Currently busy with Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL)Mahmood, who was bought for 150,000 dollars, will definitely play a crucial role in Barisal’s strategies. Brad Hodge is another player very experienced in this format. His rollicking 88 against Adelaide in the BBL recently proves that he can still be a match-winner. These two players, with their vast experience in the format, will play a key role for the Burners.
POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS
The six slots for the local players are most likely to be filled with the national players and the better-known domestic cricketers in the side. Alok Kapali and Shuvagata Hom are the most recognised local batsmen in the side. Elias Sunny and Shafiul Islam are also expected to be in the starting eleven. Upcoming pacer Al Amin is also expected to feature in the games. Barisal’s foreign slots however, will depend a lot on the availability of the Pakistani players.
The Burners will love to go into the game with Kamran Akmal and Umar Gul in the side. Apart from Hodge, Mahmood and the Pakistan players, Barisal also have Phil Mustard and Kabir Ali in their side. While Mustard can fit into the middle order, Ali will have to battle with the other pacers to make the eleven. On the other hand, spinners Sunil Narine and Saeed Ajmal haven’t yet confirmed their availability.
-With The Daily Star input
