Mustafizur Rahman given icon status

Mustafizur Rahman

Finally, Mustafizur Rahman given icon status at next BPL. The 5th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is now set to start from November 2; two days before the previously announced date. A proactive Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has started their homework much earlier than usual, and accordingly they disclosed some major information yesterday at a press conference.

Among all the information, the announcement of Mustafizur Rahman as a new icon player and the confirmation of the much talked about five foreign players in the playing eleven hogged the spotlight. Many senior players had expressed their concerns once the BPL governing council disclosed that they were considering five overseas players in the playing XI like in the 2012 and 2013 editions, saying that it will deprive the local players. The governing council however ultimately honoured the opinions of a majority of franchises regarding the issue.

"We, the BPL governing council, also feel the same since now the number of participating teams has increased to eight. A franchise can sign as many foreign players as they want, and whenever they want. We have not put any restrictions on it. One team can field a maximum of five foreign players in the playing eleven and must field a minimum of three. A franchise has to sign at least 13 local players and two overseas players from the draft," he added. The draft is scheduled to be held on September-16.

Mustafizur-who had missed the last BPL as he was rehabilitating following shoulder surgery, will be the eighth icon player after Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, MahmudullahRiyad, Sabbir Rahman and Soumya Sarkar. 

"There were seven teams last year so the number of A-plus (icon) players was seven too. Since Sylhet has been added, we have increased the category by adding Mustafizur Rahman. We have also opened up the market for the A-plus players. Bangladesh's senior players had raised the issue with the BCB president last year saying that since they are experienced cricketers, they should not be paid a fixed amount. I feel they will also be paid well this time," said Mallick, adding that since the A-plus players' payment will be negotiated between them and the franchises, the board will not take responsibility. He also said that the payment for players in other grades will be the same as the previous season and that they want to be realistic.

So far,Mashrafe has been signed up by Rangpur Riders while Khulna Titans and Comilla Victorians have announced Mahmudullah and Tamim as their icons respectively, while Shakib will continue with Dhaka Dynamites. Mushfiqur Rahim may join Rajshahi Kings.

Sabbir, Soumya and Mustafizur will now negotiate with the three remaining franchises - Barisal Bulls, Chittagong Vikings and Sylhet and places will be up for grabs until August 24, when the franchises have to announce their icon and retained players from last season. So, Bangladeshi cricket's fans may wait for watching the battle.