‘We won't consider anyone in Mashrafe’s place’

Sylhet Strikers enter the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season with a blend of optimism and challenges, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last year. Despite a late surge, winning five of their last seven matches, Sylhet finished sixth out of seven teams.

Led by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the most successful ODI captain in Bangladesh's history, the Strikers had high hopes. However, a winless streak in their first five matches left them with diminished playoff chances.

This season, the franchise is determined to turn things around with a balanced mix of young domestic talents, such as Jaker Ali and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and experienced overseas players, including Rakheem Cornwall, Paul Stirling, and Reece Topley.

Co-owner and Director of Sylhet Strikers, Jaglul-Huda Mithu, spoke to The Business Standard about the team's preparations, long-term ambitions, and the role of Mashrafe Mortaza.

Explaining Sylhet's goals for the season, Mithu said, "There will be wins and losses in a match. It's part and parcel of cricket. Every start is not going to be the same, and nor will the ending be the same. But what we are looking for is 100% effort, and thankfully, that's what we've got."

The franchise aims to take things step-by-step, keeping a pragmatic approach to the tournament. "The aim for every team should be to win the tournament. Now we have to take it step-by-step and see what we can do, how far we can go, and if we can reach the qualifiers first," Mithu remarked.

With just two days remaining before the BPL begins, Sylhet Strikers have yet to confirm Mashrafe Mortaza's participation in the tournament. The veteran cricketer, who last played competitively in April during the Dhaka Premier League, has been absent from the team's training sessions.

Sylhet's coach, Mahmud Iman, addressed Mashrafe's situation during a press briefing after a training session at Mirpur on Saturday, 28 December. "Mashrafe is still part of the squad. However, it depends on the circumstances. If he is fit and feels ready to play, we will certainly include him in the team," Iman said.

Mashrafe, a two-time Member of Parliament, has been largely out of the public eye since October, following his involvement in political matters earlier in the year. Despite being drafted by Sylhet Strikers, his fitness remains a concern.

"We are discussing Mashrafe's fitness. It's important that he is prepared. However, until he becomes fit, we won't consider anyone else in his place," Mithu added.

However, Mithu expressed gratitude for Mashrafe Mortaza's leadership and guidance. "Captaincy aside, he has helped in linking us up with the right people for the right job, and he is guiding us through everything. In a way, Mashrafe's involved with everything and is like the father of the team," he concluded.

Like other franchises, Sylhet has faced increasing financial pressures. With inflation and rising costs, maintaining a BPL franchise becomes more expensive with every passing year.

This year has also been marked by additional hurdles due to the chaotic aftermath of the July uprising. Despite these challenges, Mithu expressed gratitude for the existence of the league. "We have to be firstly thankful that we at least have a T20 franchise tournament. Something is better than nothing, so Alhamdulillah (thank God) for that!"

Mithu acknowledged the difficulties in recruiting foreign players due to scheduling overlaps with other T20 leagues as players like Moeen Ali, Angelo Mathews, and AM Ghazanfar have withdrawn for more lucrative offers, and others like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Alex Hales won't be available for the full tournament. "It would have been better if the BPL happened at a time when so many other tournaments weren't happening ," he said.

While profitability remains elusive, Mithu stressed the franchise's commitment to cricket and its long-term vision. "All of our businesses are abroad, and we have a cricket team in the US too, where we invest without profit. So with Sylhet, the idea was to have an investment at home since we love cricket," he explained.

"If you think about making a profit from the BPL, then you won't be able to stay here and you have come to the wrong place. You will have to think outside the box and we are planning to do that. We are working on opening up an academy so let's see."

Mithu revealed that Sylhet Strikers are working on a plan to make the franchise more financially viable. "We have a team of financial experts who are working on a plan that we will present at the end of the season," he shared.

The team is also focusing on building an academy to develop young talent. "We held a pacer and a spinner hunt at the beginning of the tournament last year, and the coaches are looking to groom them not only for a month before the tournament but throughout the year as well," he concluded.