Gemcon Khulna look to justify favorites tag

Gemcon Khulna have compiled a strong squad for the Bangabandhu T20 Cup and already became a title contender thanks to their squad depth.

The big bargain of Khulna at the players’ draft was picking Shakib al Hasan as their category A player. 

Although Beximco Dhaka had the first call in the players’ draft, and subsequently had a chance to pick Shakib, they opted for Mushfiqur Rahim instead and Khulna, on second call, did not hesitate to pick Shakib.

Shakib was banned by the ICC and after the compilation of his one-year ban term he worked hard to gain his fitness ahead of this T20 competition. 

He will be eager to get back with a bang with his all-round performance and Khulna made a great signing by picking him straightaway.

Interestingly, Khulna also picked Mahmudullah as Minister Group Rajshahi did not pick any category A player and went for all-rounder Saifuddin from category B. 

And Khulna did not hesitate to pick Mahmudullah either and now have the luxury of boasting two category A players from the draft.

Having Shakib and Mahmudullah, the two best all-rounders in the country, Khulna certainly announced their entry as a tournament favorite.

To add to that, Khulna have some exciting and promising players in the squad alongside Shakib and Mahmudullah, players who can change the game in the blink of an eye in the shortest format.

Batting unit looks solid including the likes of Imrul Kayes, Anamul Haque, Jahurul Islam, Shuvagata Hom and Ariful Haque.

Bowling department also looks impressive with experienced pacers like Shafiul Islam, Al Amin Hossain and left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam looking to spearhead Khulna’s challenge. 

Khulna also picked some young and exciting talents like young fast bowler Shamim Patwary which gives the side a very balanced look with the combination of experience and youth.

Although Mahmudullah had tested Covid-19 positive before the draft, the right-handed batsman fully recovered a few days later, and trained well with the team recently. 

Khulna made him their captain for the tournament as the experienced all-rounder have skipper Khulna Titans three times in BPL. 

So it was an expected choice from Khulna management with regards to picking their captain.

With the captaincy of the vastly experienced Maumudullah, Khulna can hope high and chase the title with a strong and balanced squad.

Squad

Shakib al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Imrul Kayes, Hasan Mahmud, Al Amin Hossain, Anamul Haque, Shamim Patowary, Ariful Haque, Shafiul Islam, Shuvagata Hom, Shahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain,  Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Islam Apu, Salman Hossain, Jahurul Islam