Bangladesh pace bowler Taskin Ahmed expressed his eagerness to make a comeback in competitive cricket through the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the country’s lone franchise-based T20 tournament, slated to commence on January 19.
Taskin had faced a setback during the World Cup, sustaining a shoulder injury that sidelined him for a few matches in the global event held in India last year. Following the tournament, he underwent a rehabilitation program to regain full fitness, causing him to miss both the two-match Test series against New Zealand at home and the subsequent white-ball tour.
“By the grace of Allah, I am better than before. I had a problem in my shoulder, but now I am better and I am looking to start with the BPL and hoping to start the new year well,” Taskin shared with reporters after a bowling session at the BCB academy premises.
Having undergone five sessions with a full run-up, Taskin is optimistic about his return to competitive cricket in the BPL, where he has been picked by Durdanto Dhaka.
Taskin also commended the performance of Bangladesh’s pacers in New Zealand, expressing pleasure at their achievements. Shoriful Islam was named Player of the Series in the T20Is, and the pacers played a significant role in Bangladesh securing their maiden ODI win in New Zealand.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Taskin conveyed his disappointment, citing a lack of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Despite his efforts, the board appears unlikely to provide the necessary clearance.
Taskin lamented, “I had three chances in the IPL, and I missed this time too, and it feels bad because, as a cricketer, everyone wants to play in all the franchise leagues. It is not only IPL; I get offers from different leagues too.”
Acknowledging the challenges of obtaining release from the board, Taskin expressed hope for future opportunities, stating, “I am living with the hope that in the future when a chance will come, I will get to play.”
