Cricket

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) draft for the 2024-25 season witnessed a flurry of activity as teams eagerly snapped up top-tier talent. Taskin Ahmed, the seasoned fast bowler, emerged as the first overall pick, joining the newly formed Durbar Rajshahi franchise. Defending champions Fortune Barishal opted for Mahmudullah, the recently retired T20I star, with the seventh pick.Other notable first-round selections included fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud (Khulna Tigers) and Nahid Rana (Rangpur Riders), as well as established batters Litton Das (Dhaka Capitals), Shamim Hossain (Chittagong Kings), and Rony Talukdar (Sylhet Strikers).Despite their Category A status, legspinner Rishad Hossain and T20I captain Najmul Hossain Shanto went unpicked in the first round. However, Barishal later acquired both players with the 15th and 43rd overall picks, respectively. Shanto's recent form has been underwhelming, while Rishad's availability remains uncertain due to his BBL contract with the Hobart Hurricanes.Sylhet Strikers, who retained several key players from last season, added veteran all-rounder Mashrafe Mortaza to their ranks. They also secured the services of overseas stars Reece Topley, Rahkeem Cornwall, and Samiullah Shenwari.Barishal, the defending champions, retained Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim while directly signing a host of international players, including Dawid Malan, Kyle Mayers, Mohammad Nabi, and Faheem Ashraf. They also picked up Sri Lankan batter Pathum Nissanka, who will be available for a limited period during the BPL.Pakistani cricketers Saim Ayub, Akif Javed, and Mohammad Hasnain were among the first overseas players selected, followed by James Fuller (Barishal) and Graham Clark (Chittagong).Uncapped Bangladeshi players also made their mark in the draft, with Nahid Rana, Habibur Rahman Sohan, and Jishan Alam being early picks.The BPL teams have until the tournament's scheduled start date of December 27 to continue signing players directly. The new season will feature a mix of established franchises (Barishal, Khulna, Sylhet, and Rangpur) and new entrants (Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rajshahi).

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram has revealed a sensational claim that South African all-rounder David Miller postponed his wedding to play the final three matches of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 for Fortune Barishal. Akram stated that Miller was offered a hefty sum of $150,000 (approximately Rs 1.24 crore) to participate in the crucial matches, which ultimately led Barishal to their maiden BPL title.Miller, who recently tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Camilla Harris in a lavish ceremony in Cape Town, reportedly made the decision to prioritize his professional commitments over his personal life. Akram disclosed this information during A Sports' 'The Pavillion' show on March 12, following a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)."I just found out today because we were discussing who won the BPL as we were not following because of the PSL. David Miller was offered $150,000 to play three matches. He postponed his wedding," Akram said.Akram's revelation has sparked a buzz in the cricketing world, highlighting the financial incentives and sacrifices that players make to excel in their careers. Miller's decision to delay his wedding for the sake of his team's success is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport.In a separate incident, Akram criticized Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique for his muted celebration after taking a catch to dismiss Imad Wasim during the PSL 2024 match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United. Shafique's gesture, which involved putting his finger over his mouth, was interpreted by Akram as an attempt to silence his critics."No doubt, great catch but who is responsible for dropping 36 catches in Australia's Test series? Who will answer for that? Abdullah should work in drama industry rather than cricket," Akram said on A Sports.Akram's comments reflect his belief that players should focus on their performances rather than engaging in unnecessary theatrics. He emphasized the importance of accountability and responsibility in the game of cricket.Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering foreign coaches from the PSL to potentially lead the national team until next year's ICC Champions Trophy. With time running out and limited options available, the PCB is exploring the possibility of appointing a foreign coach to guide the team in the upcoming tournaments.

Fortune Barishal emerged victorious in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023, claiming their maiden title with a resounding six-wicket triumph over Comilla Victorians. The match, played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, witnessed a dominant performance from Barishal's bowlers and a clinical chase led by captain Tamim Iqbal and Kyle Mayers.Comilla, the four-time BPL champions, were restricted to a modest 154 for 6 after winning the toss and electing to bat. James Fuller played a pivotal role with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets in the powerplay. Taijul Islam and Obed McCoy also impressed with their economical spells, keeping the Comilla batters in check.In reply, Barishal's openers, Tamim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, provided a solid foundation with a 76-run partnership. Tamim, in particular, entertained the crowd with his aggressive strokeplay, becoming the tournament's highest scorer in the process.Kyle Mayers took over the mantle after Tamim's departure, striking five fours and two sixes to guide Barishal closer to victory. Andre Russell's late cameo of 27 runs off 14 balls proved futile as Barishal reached their target with ease in the 19th over.Comilla's fielding errors in the latter stages of the chase proved costly, allowing Barishal to capitalize on their opportunities. Mahmudullah and David Miller sealed the victory for Barishal, ensuring their first-ever BPL title.