Khulna lost their opening game of the money-spinning tournament against holder Dhaka but later bounced back in their second match against home team Sylhet Sixers with a comprehensive win. The Khulna coach believes playing five overseas players in the playing XI will create more competition in the team. “I think combination wise, it gives you more strength. It is a good challenge for local players to prove themselves in the team. Only the best can play. Bangladesh national team only want 11 players, not 30 players,” he explained. Jayawardene praised Sylhet International Cricket Stadium as a venue and is hopeful that the Dhaka phase of the cash-rich competition will be exciting as well. “I have really enjoyed Sylhet. It was a very good venue. We had great support. The boys really enjoyed it. I think it was a good start for the new season of BPL and hopefully the same excitement will be in Dhaka as well. There were high-scoring matches and some close games in Sylhet. I think from last year to this year, the quality of the overseas players have improved as well. It is always going to be tough competition,” he said.Jayawardene said he is not concerned with the form of the local Khulna players at the moment as they have only played two games so far. He believes the local cricketers will step up soon and play important role in the fifth edition of the BPL. “It is just two matches for each team. Give the local players some time. They will play well,” the 40-year old concluded. Khulna will take on Chittagong at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Sunday afternoon.On our way back to Dhaka..#khulnatitans
A post shared by Mahela Jayawardena (@chrismahelaj) on Nov 9, 2017 at 1:21am PST
Khulna Titans head coach Mahela Jayawardene informed that he is enjoying his stint as the head coach of the side and is always ready to help the young players.
Last year, Jayawardene played the BPL as a player for the Dhaka Dynamites. But this time around, the Sri Lanka legend is taking part in the BPL as the head coach of Khulna.
All the Khulna players took part in training Saturday, ahead of their third match of BPL 2017 against Chittagong Vikings.
“The challenges are different as a player and a coach. I have managed to enjoy my stint as a player. I am doing the same thing as coach. I am relaxed and see if I can help the younger guys along the way,” said Mahela to the media during their practice session at Mirpur Academy Ground in Dhaka.
