Chittagong Kings aiming to rule over BPL

With the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 around the corner, the spotlight is on the much-anticipated return of the Chittagong Kings. Absent from the tournament since 2014, the franchise is making a comeback with an ambitious plan, a strong squad, and a determination to leave a mark. Sameer Quader Chowdhury, the owner of the team, opens up about their journey, challenges, and dreams for the future in an exclusive interview.

The Kings were part of the inaugural BPL in 2012 and reached the finals in 2013 before their exit in 2014. Now, after a decade-long hiatus, the team is back. According to Chowdhury, this return was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a long-held aspiration.

"We've always had the intention to participate," Chowdhury reflects. "Certain circumstances prevented us from doing so over the past few years. This time, we received the confirmation we needed and decided to proceed."

Despite being away from the franchise, Chowdhury never lost his passion for the game. To stay connected, he kept himself engaged through fantasy drafts and strategic planning as a fan. "When the opportunity came to rejoin, I was ready," he shares.

The BPL has faced its fair share of challenges, including controversies surrounding payment delays. Chowdhury sets the record straight, explaining that the past issues stemmed more from negotiation-related disputes than a lack of intention to pay.

"This time, we've resolved all prior matters and are committed to ensuring there are no such issues again," he assures.

The Kings have also prioritised assembling a balanced team for their comeback season, blending experience and young talent. With the likes of Shoriful Islam, Angelo Mathews, and Shamim Hossain on board, Chowdhury is optimistic about the season, though Shakib Al Hasan's availability remains a concern.

"At the time of the draft, there were no restrictions on Shakib's participation, so we made a direct signing for him," Chowdhury notes. "Unfortunately, unforeseen issues arose, but we are planning how to restructure the team if needed."

Discussions are already underway with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for a potential replacement. Chowdhury hopes to secure another left-arm spinner or all-rounder if Shakib is unavailable.

One of the franchise's core principles has always been nurturing local talent. This year, the Kings have included several young players in their squad, reflecting Chowdhury's belief in creating opportunities for rising stars.

"Beyond the BPL, I'm planning to establish a programme to identify and nurture young players from Chattogram," Chowdhury reveals. "I've already begun scouting new talent and setting up a project to develop them."

The National Cricket League (NCL) T20 tournament, held recently, has played a key role in uncovering hidden gems. Chowdhury has already approached a few promising players with plans to groom them under the Kings' banner.

Understanding the importance of fan support, the Kings are going all out to create excitement off the pitch. Through social media campaigns and initiatives like the Chittagong Kings Youth Festival, the team is fostering a deeper connection with the community.

"Our team will visit schools, colleges, and other institutions during the Chattogram phase of the tournament," Chowdhury says.

Notably, the franchise has retained the traditional spelling of its name, "Chittagong," despite the city's official renaming to "Chattogram." For Chowdhury, this decision stems from a desire to preserve the history and heritage associated with the name.

"My company is also named Dacca Dyeing, which uses the older spelling of Dhaka. It's a way of preserving a sense of history and tradition," he explains.

The BPL has often been criticised for not being profitable. Chowdhury, however, believes there is potential for financial success if the league is executed well.

"Even during our last season, while we faced minor losses, those were due to specific financial issues with the board," he recalls. "Growth takes time, but I believe the potential for profitability is there."

Chowdhury also acknowledges the need for discussions around revenue sharing between organisers and franchises. Though informal talks have begun, no concrete steps have been taken yet.

Debates continue around the balance of foreign and domestic players in the league. For Chowdhury, the presence of international players is crucial for the growth of local talent.

"Our players don't get much exposure to foreign leagues, so competing alongside experienced international players is invaluable," he explains. However, he stresses the need for more domestic T20 matches to provide consistent opportunities for emerging players.

As the Kings prepare for their long-awaited return, they do so with optimism, a solid team, and a vision for the future. Their focus remains on making an impact this season while building a sustainable and successful franchise.

"Inshallah, we're here to win it this time. We can go all the way!" Chowdhury concludes.