Defending champion Comilla Victorians' managing director Nafisa Kamal said her franchise want to take part in the upcoming edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which has been named as the Bangabandhu BPL on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
BCB president Nazmul Hasan Wednesday said the next edition of the BPL will run without the franchises and all the seven teams will be looked after by the BCB, including player payments and other issues.
Nafisa was emotional while talking to media Thursday and said such a decision came as a shock for them, and that they want to take part in BPL 7 with their franchise.
“At first, I would like to thank the BCB and BPL governing council for arranging the Bangabandhu BPL for the 100th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I hope it will be a fascinating tournament, but definitely we want to be a part of it. We have been involved with the BPL for the last six years. We have overcome so many obstacles to reach this stage. But at this stage, when BPL has become successful, we definitely want to remain part of it,” Nafisa said.
The Victorians MD said if the BCB had given them hints of such a decision, then it would have been better for them on many aspects.
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“I think not only us, but every franchise have a role to convert BPL into a successful tournament. We, Comilla Victorians, are a big family and we have put a lot of efforts to create a brand value which eventually elevates the brand value of BPL and Bangladesh cricket,” said Nafisa.
“We have received enormous support, not only from local fans but also fans around the world for Comilla Victorians. It came as a shock for us when we knew that Comilla will be there in the next BPL, but we will not be a part of it as a franchise.
“We have been part of BPL for so many years, and BPL and our team have grown and gained reputation together. If we were informed a bit earlier or given a hint that such a thing or decision would be taken, then it would have been better for us.”
In her concluding statement Nafisa once again said the Victorians want to be a part of this glorious occasion, and that they are ready to give BCB full support on this.
“We want to offer full support to the BCB on this event. Our demand is not a matter on this occasion because the name of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is involved here. It’s a matter of huge emotion and we don’t want to be neglected on this occasion,” said Nafisa.
