Ending speculation over his participation in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League, Mashrafe bin Mortaza has been named captain of Sylhet Strikers.
Mashrafe led the Strikers to a runner-up finish the previous season but fitness issue and second tenure as lawmaker of Narail 2 constituency put into doubt his involvement in the 10th edition of the country’s premier Twenty20 tournament.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto was also an option after leading the national team recently in the absence of regular skipper Shakib al Hasan, but Sylhet eventually entrusted Mashrafe with the captaincy.
The 40-year old is the most successful captain in BPL history, having won the title twice with Dhaka Gladiators and once each with Comilla Victorians and Rangpur Riders.
Next in the list is Imrul Kayes who has won the BPL thrice as skipper, all for the Victorians.
The Strikers will begin their campaign on the opening day taking on Chattogram Challengers, skippered by Shuvagata Hom, in Mirpur Friday evening under lights.
Kayes though will not be able to go for a fourth title as captain as his side Comilla named Liton Das to lead the record four-time winners.
The Victorians lock horns with Mosaddek Hossain’s Durdanto Dhaka in the tournament opener Friday afternoon.
Fortune Barishal, led by Tamim Iqbal on his return to competitive cricket, will be in action Saturday afternoon against Nurul Hasan’s Rangpur after Shakib did not entertain the idea of being Riders captain following his move from Barishal.
Anamul Haque’s Khulna Tigers will be last of the seven teams to play their first game, against Chattogram Saturday evening.
