‘The BPL can even overtake the IPL’

As the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) prepares to kick off, new teams are working hard to finalise their preparations, and Durbar Rajshahi is determined to make its mark.

While acknowledging that the team faced some delays in getting everything in place, the management remains optimistic about their prospects. The squad, which began to take shape after the player draft, has a strong core of local talent, including established players like Taskin Ahmed and the recently in-form Anamul Haque Bijoy, who scored a century in the National Cricket League's T20 tournament.

The team also boasts promising young players, such as Jishan Alam, who showed great potential during the NCL T20 with a remarkable strike rate of 160. With a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, Durbar Rajshahi believes they are well-equipped to challenge the top teams in the competition. "With such a solid core, I'm confident we can be competitive and aim for a strong position near the top," said a member of the management team.

Looking beyond the current season, the team has long-term plans in place. The agreements made with players were not just for the present but with a vision for the future. The franchise is committed to nurturing the players' development and building a sustainable squad. "We aim to build a sustainable team and develop alongside them," the management noted. Even after the season concludes, the franchise intends to remain engaged with the players, providing support through various means, including foreign consultants, to help them improve further.

When it comes to leadership, the management sees the presence of both Taskin Ahmed and Anamul Haque Bijoy as a positive dilemma. The two players bring vast experience, and the decision on who will captain the team has been left in their hands. "I've spoken to both Taskin and Bijoy, and I've left the decision to them to work out between themselves," the management revealed. This open approach to leadership reflects the team's commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

While the franchise's squad of foreign players is smaller than some of the other teams in the BPL, the management is confident that the quality of the players secured will make up for the quantity. The team has managed to bring in Mohammad Haris, an exciting talent, and Ryan Burl, a versatile player who can add depth to the squad. Bilal Khan is another valuable addition. Though the list may not be extensive, the focus has been on ensuring that the available players are of the highest calibre.

Regarding the availability of these foreign players, the management confirmed that those who are already committed will stay for the full duration of the tournament. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing with one or two marquee players, who will participate on a match-by-match basis depending on their availability. "You can imagine someone like Martin Guptill as an example," the management added, hinting at the calibre of players being pursued.

One of the standout talents in the squad is Jishan Alam, and the franchise has high hopes for his performance in the BPL. Having impressed in domestic cricket, Jishan is expected to thrive in the high-pressure environment of the BPL, and his development is something the management is keen to nurture. "We're extremely confident in Jishan's potential," they said. "He's a young player with immense talent, and I believe he will perform even better in the BPL with our support."

Despite some critics suggesting that their squad may not be as strong as others, Durbar Rajshahi remains confident in their ability to perform. The team's top order, middle order, and bowling units are all strong, and while the squad may lack a few high-profile names, the management is confident that the local players can rise to the occasion. "If our local players perform to their potential, I'm confident we can secure a position within the top three," they asserted.

The decision to join the BPL was motivated by a desire to create something meaningful, particularly in the wake of the July Uprising, when the youth played a pivotal role. "The youth and students involved in the uprising will be our team's brand ambassadors," the management revealed. This connection to the broader societal context adds a layer of depth to the team's mission, as they aim to inspire and give back to the community.

Of course, the journey has not been without its challenges. As a new franchise, there is a steep learning curve, but the team has been able to rely on the support of a strong network to help them navigate the complexities of the business side of cricket. "We've focused on giving lesser-known players a platform to shine," the management said, noting that their long-term strategy includes nurturing these players over the next five years before reassessing their approach.

When it comes to the financial side of things, the franchise is realistic about the initial challenges. "As a new franchise, we're prepared to incur some losses initially and aim to recover in the coming years," they admitted. Despite the financial hurdles, they are optimistic about the BPL's future potential, particularly in terms of revenue sharing. 

The management was quick to voice their support for the idea of revenue sharing, noting that the board has agreed to share ticket revenue. "This is a step in the right direction," they said, pointing to the global standard of revenue-sharing practices in franchise leagues. They are also hopeful that the government's promotional efforts will continue to boost the profile of the BPL. He went as far as saying that "the BPL can even overtake Indian Premier League (IPL)."

Finally, the franchise is committed to developing local talent, which has often been a point of criticism for the BPL in the past. With a focus on giving lesser-known players opportunities to shine, the management believes that the BPL can be a platform for nurturing future stars. Although they were unable to implement a player-hunting programme this season due to time constraints, they plan to launch it after the season ends. "I believe platforms like the BPL can help players grow and eventually become stars on the global stage," they concluded.

In conclusion, Durbar Rajshahi is not just looking to compete in the BPL; they are building for the future. With a strong squad, a clear long-term vision, and a commitment to developing local talent, they are poised to make a meaningful impact both on and off the field. While the challenges are many, the determination to succeed is evident, and their ambitions for the BPL—and beyond—are clear.