Value first, stars later

The changed perception towards the value of a Bangladeshi cricketer was reflected at the players’ draft of the Dhaka Premier League last week. The clubs now focuses on making a balance combination rather than roping in any star cricketer in the market. The result of this changed perception was the high demand among the clubs for Mahmudullah within the top three draft picks for the icon and A+ category players. Once he was picked up by Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club with the firs pick, the remaining teams did not go for any big-name player but for those that would sit right in their squad. This is a departure from the tradition perception of seeing big players with the highest demand. Mahmudullah in the recent past has come up as a depending all-rounder for Bangladesh. Sheikh Jamal Dhamondi head coach Anwar Hossain Monir said that they called the middle-order batsman who bowls handy off-spin, because the club felt he was the best available option. “He is in form and has positive attitude and the team can rely on him. He can be effective in the middle with the bat and also can bowl good off-spinners. We wanted someone as a good captain from the Icon category and Mahmudullah looked to be the best option for us,” Anwar explained to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. Interestingly the second and the third teams to make the call, defending champions Prime Bank Cricket Club and Prime Doleshwar, respectively, had also eyed Mahmudullah. But Prime Bank, at No 2, went for Sabbir Rahman who offers same things as Mahmudullah with his dependable batting and handy legspin. Prime Bank general secretary Tanjil Chowdhury wanted to retain Mahmudullah who had guided the side to the title last season as captain. But once gone to Sheikh Jamal, Prime Bank though Sabbir to be the best option. “He (Sabbir) I think is underrated. He has lot to prove for the caliber he has. I think Prime Bank will be the right platform for him to act as a senior cricketer show his worth. I believe he is hungry to perform and is our team, we want to defend the title. So the opportunity is a big one for Sabbir,” Tanjil explained. Prime Doleshwar head coach Mizanur Rahman said the side needed a middle order batsman who also bowls spin. By the time they reached the round to call the Icons, they had seen Mahmudullah and Sabir gone, so they went for the next best option. While Nasir Hossain has not been in the best of his shape in recent times, he has often been a match-winner in domestic cricket. “I am hopeful that Nasir will live up to the expectation and fulfill what the side had planend if they had Mahmudullah in the line-up,” said Mizanur. But it doesn’t mean the likes of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan have lost value. While Shakib isn’t available for most of the first phase of the tournament, it was a surprise not to see Tamim among the top three picks given his rich recent form and overall performance in domestic cricket. Tamim and Muahfiqur Rahim were the fourth and fifth picks by Abahani and Mohammedan Sporting Club respectively while a hot favorite like Mashrafe bin Mortaza had to wait till the 11th call before Kalabagan Krira Chakra roped him in. Now, almost every cricketer, big and small, have to adjust to the changed perception in domestic cricket, much of which is derived from the performances and roles of Bangladeshi cricketers in the international stage.