Opener Mahbubul Karim regrets his stint in the Indian Cricket League that derailed his way to reach stardom according to his potential.
Mahbubul came into the spotlight after his murderous 130 runs guided Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to a thrilling four-wicket win over Abahani in the Dhaka Premier League on Tuesday.
Mahbubul always had the potential to deliver but somehow he could not manage to hog the spotlight after the ICL incident.
‘Things may or may not be the same if I had not played in ICL,’ Mahbubul told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
‘For me playing was the major issue and I always wanted to play with legendary cricketers,’ he said.
‘I had that chance but at the same time I am guilty because of playing outside my country,’ said the 30-year old batsman.
Mahbubul added that he was pretty confident with his chances in the Dhaka Premier League considering his recent form, though his last century came in a 50-over match was against Kalabagan in 2004-05 playing for Victoria.
‘In one-day cricket it [century] is after a long time,’ said Mahbubul.
‘But last year I scored a century for Chittagong against Barisal at MA Aziz Stadium.
‘Perhaps we are not highlighted because we have become senior.
‘Now it is time for the youngsters who are doing well.’
Mahbubul said that BCB’s decision to allow only one foreign cricketer is very helpful as it is encouraging local cricketers.
‘I think it is encouraging because earlier we did not have the chances as there were three foreign cricketers at the top.
‘Now times have changed and it is very encouraging.
‘If three foreign players play then certainly you lose 36 players but as that is not the case we are more hopeful,’ he said.
The right handed opener also credited the wicket in the domestic circuit as it had become more sporting than ever before.
‘I think now we have sporting wickets,’ said the seasoned campaigner.
‘Earlier it was only for the spinners but now the wicket also suits the pace bowlers and it is a very good sign.’
Mahbubul added that his skipper Mahmudullah gave him the license to hit without thinking too much and this leverage made him more confident.
Mahbubul, who scored 78 runs in his opening game, hit 15 fours and five sixes on his way to 130 runs.
‘Our skipper told me to play my natural game and it always help.
‘We always wanted to get five to six runs in an over and that was our primary goal.’
-With New Age input
