Central Zone skipper Mahmudullah said on Friday that the second edition of the longer-version Bangladesh Cricket League, scheduled to start on Sunday, will once again be competitive with the country’s top 60 cricketers in action. Speaking to reporters at Mirpur, Mahmudullah praised the tournament saying that it will provide the local cricketers with a chance todo adequate practice ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka series at home later this month.
Champions in the inaugural edition last year, Central Zone will begin their campaign against East Zone at BKSP 2 on the opening day of the four-day competition.
‘The tournament is very good. The competition will be much more than the [National Cricket] league. The country’s best 60 cricketers are involved,’ said the 27-year-old all-rounder.
‘We were hoping that Sri Lanka’s tour will not be cancelled. Keeping that in mind each and every member of the national team is working hard. Everyone is working on their weaknesses.
‘We will play two rounds in the BCL [before the Sri Lanka series]. The national cricketers can prepare themselves perfectly,’ he said.
Having scored 32 runs in his last five Test innings, the right-handed middle-order batsman is also on a personal mission to perform well in the two rounds and come back in the national side.
‘My target will be to play a long innings. I have to play my natural game. I’m desperate for the two
rounds to start. I am working tirelessly. Insha’llah, I will play well and make a place for myself in the national squad,’ said Mahmudullah, who was recently vice-captain of the national team.
Mahmudullah was also hopeful with his side’s chances of defending their title.
‘We were the champions last time around. This time we will aim to take it match by match. We start with the two matches. If we begin well then we can sustain last year’s performance,’ he added.
-With New Age input
