Spinners are expected to play the pivotal role in the forthcoming Dhaka Premier League as condition and pitches are expected to give them the edge over pacers, said coaches of the participating clubs.
The much-anticipated DPL is scheduled to begin on April 22 amid sweltering heat that coaches said will make the pacers fatigued and prompt the captains to rely on spinners.
Unlike the previous seasons clubs gave pacers some priority in the players’ draft but coaches said it will not create much of a difference as the pace bowlers will be challenged physically in a condition that is expected to test their endurance level.
‘Naturally it is going to be difficult for pace bowlers,’ Abahani coach Khaled Mahmud told New Age on Wednesday.
‘In general, pace bowlers will have a maximum spell of four-over at a stretch as afterwards they would lose their bite considering the present weather conditions,’ he said.
‘In that case spinners will be playing bigger role as they are expected to bowl longer compared to fast bowlers and naturally they will have a better chance to dominate the game,’ said Mahmud.
The four-wicket haul of Abahani’s leg-spinner Jubair Hossain during their practice match against Prime Bank only provided a glimpse of what to expect when Dhaka-based clubs will fight for glory in next few weeks.
Jubair, who is regarded as a match winner by national coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, often failed to gain a spot in the playing XI during the domestic tournaments.
Abahani are expected to form their spin attack with Jubair, Saqlain Sajib and Amitabh Kumar Noyon and hope to receive some back up from young Mossadek Hossain and Nazmul Hossain.
Mohammedan Sporting Club coach Sohel Islam said he expected some assistance for pace bowlers at the initial part of the league but added that it will start to diminish soon after few rounds.
‘Wickets will be dry so they are bound to develop some cracks sooner or later.
‘This kind of surface is expected to help the spinners more than the pacers.
‘It is very unlikely that wickets will be even in venues like Fatullah and BKSP where in all probabilities we will be playing in a low and slow wicket.
‘As a result we are more inclined to depend on spinners than pacers,’ he said.
Mohammedan will be keeping their faith on left-arm spinners Enamul Haque Junior and Naeem Islam Junior, two proven performers in the domestic circuit and will be joined by off-spinner Naeem Islam for some variation.
Prime Doleshwar coach Mizanur Rahman opined in line with the other coaches and said that it will not be practical to expect special performances from the national pace bowlers despite their success in the international level.
Bangladesh made a drastic change in their bowling attack when the baton was transferred to the pace bowlers from the spinners in the recent past in limited over formats.
‘During international series our wickets are prepared according to our strength but it will not be the same during the league,’ said Mizanur.
The club added two unheralded spinners Rezaul Karim Rajib of Chittagong Division and Robiul Islam Robi of Sylhet outside the players’ draft to join with their left-arm spin bowling duo Sanjamul Islam and Rahatul Ferdous.
Gazi Group Cricketers followed the same examples to pick up two players from second tier leagues to add them with Elias Sunny, Alok Kapali and Mohammad Forkan.
Gazi coach Mohammad Salahuddin said that shortage of quality pace bowlers also plays a part in depending on the spinners and in the forthcoming season pace bowler with brains are expected to be more successful.
‘We don’t have many quality pace bowlers,’ said Salahuddin.
‘So naturally we are dependent on spinners and it has been the case for a long time,’ he said.
Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club also indicated their dependence of spin bowling when they retained the service of Sohag Gazi and Arafat Sunny while Legends Rupganj added Taijul Islam and Moshrraf Hossain.
Title contenders Prime Bank will rely on Shuvagata Hom and Nazmul Islam while Abdur Razzak is expected to shine for Kalabagan KC in supposedly spin-dominated league.
-With New Age input
