Last year’s winning head coach Ian Pont is all set to return to lead the Dhaka Gladiators once again for the second edition of the Bangladesh Premier League, the franchise and the coach announced on Tuesday.
‘I have had extensive conversations with the owners of the Dhaka Gladiators and we have come to a professional understanding that allows me to coach the side again,’ Pont said at a press conference.
‘There are no payment issues. What happened previously is in the past and we all look forward to defending the title with, what is again, hopefully a high quality squad.
‘The Chowdhury family has been at pains to show they are totally committed to making the franchisee as professional as possible,’ said the Englishman.
Pont was apparently referring to the criticism that the owner of the franchise faced following the non-payment issue leading up to the second edition of the tournament.
Dhaka Gladiators were one of the two biggest defaulters, which prompted the Bangladesh Cricket Board to take an initiative of re-auctioning the franchise.
‘I respect what that are trying to do and I have faith we can all help them achieve that. Last year I said we are here to entertain the fans and we did. The same goes for this year as well,’ said Pont, a former bowling coach of Bangladesh national team.
This year’s Dhaka squad boasts no less than five fellow countrymen for Pont – something he acknowledges as a great sign.
‘Luke Wright, Owais Shah and Darren Stevens are wonderful T20 players. Chris Liddle has done well for Sussex and Josh Cobb is one of the most talented youngsters coming out of English cricket right now,’ he said.
‘We all hope their availability is good because players like this often have commitments elsewhere that can take them away for some of the time,’ Pont added.
Pont revealed that their secret in becoming successful in the inaugural edition was their team balance and he aims to do the same again.
‘The secret to what won us the title was how we blended the local players and overseas players in the right balance. Everyone played their part. I aim to continue our excellent plans and make people feel they have an important role to play.’
The Gladiators will begin their title defence against Khulna Royal Bengals on January 18 at Mirpur.
-With New Age input
