Bangladesh Premier League 2017: Best XI of the Bangladeshi players

A plethora of class, talent and vibrancy will on the menu when the fifth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League kickstarts on November 4. With the Tigers taking giant strides in International cricket, the League has been a pivotal contributor in nourishing few youngsters and Bangladesh reaching the Semi-finals of the Champions Trophy is a testament to how much they’ve improved.

Whilst they are an impeccable force on home turf, it’s the away fixtures that are troubling their country. The latest example is their demolition at the hands of South Africa, who steamrolled them in every department and handed them a painful defeat. Yet, this was a great learning curve and a wake-up call which suggests they have a long distance left to travel.

The tournament has had a fair share of troubles over the past, but it has successfully managed to swim through and reached a safe port. Unlike the previous edition, there will be seven teams fighting it out for the coveted title and the newbies of the tournament, Sylhet Sixers (earlier Sylhet Super Stars) will be making a grand comeback.

With the commencement less than a week away, let’s take a look at the best Bangladeshi XI that’ll appear in the tournament.

1. Soumya Sarkar (Chittagong Vikings)

The southpaw was one of the few glittering sparks in the dark night at South Africa for the Tigers. In both the T20 encounters, he contributed well and took on the imperious fast bowlers of the Proteas to good effect. A lot of responsibility rests on his shoulders as he’s the icon player for the Chittagong Vikings.

2. Tamim Iqbal (Comilla Victorians)

Arguably the greatest opener their country has produced, Tamim Iqbal has time and again proven he’s a match-winner. It comes as no surprise that he has been chosen as the icon player for the Comilla Victorians. The southpaw will be captaining the side and he has some big International players under him like Hasan Ali, Jos Buttler, Shoaib Malik and Colin Munro.

3. Sabbir Rahman (Sylhet Sixers)

One of Bangladesh’s mainstay in the top order, Sabbir Rahman will be Sylhet Sixers’ icon player for this edition. Their franchise will be returning to the League after serving the ban and with the new name, there’s all-new excitement. Rahman will be accompanied by some big names like Babar Azam, Nasir Hossain, and Taijul Islam.

4. Shakib Al Hasan (Dhaka Dynamites)

The greatest cricketer the land has produced, Shakib Al Hasan gets a similar reception Bangladesh like Dhoni or Sachin gets in India. He played a crucial role in transforming this side to the team that is today and he deserves every bit of what he gets. He plays in the IPL regularly as well and across the globe, he has the experience of playing a lot of Leagues.

5. Mushfiqur Rahim (Rajshahi Kings)

Another stalwart from their country, Mushfiqur Rahim recently became their first cricketer to score a hundred against South Africa. The little man backs a serious punch and is tailor-made for big occasions. Over the years, he played some match-winning knocks for the Tigers and now, he will be leading the Rajshahi Kings being their Icon player.

6. Nasir Hossain (Sylhet Sixers)

Another big name in the middle is Nasir Hossain, who started his career as a top order batsman and slowly transformed into a productive all-rounder. Hossain is a canny customer with his off-break and can hit the long ball. Sylhet Sixers have some decent players in their side and his presence will only boost their chances of ending Dhaka franchise’s dominance.

7. Mahmudullah Riyad (Khulna Titans)

One of the most under-rated players in their country, Mahmudullah’s worth was clearly palpable when he scored two centuries in the 2015 ICC World Cup. Ev since, his contribution for the country has been priceless and in the shortest format, he is at his best. Mahmudullah will be representing Khulna Titans alongside Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Chris Lynn.

8. Mashrafe Mortaza (Captain) (Rangpur Riders)

Under the leadership of Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh has scaled new heights eclipsing various barricades which seemed impregnable. Their fans love him a lot and he always chips in with crucial contributions in big games. Mortaza will be Rangpur Riders’ Icon player and he will be playing alongside some big players like Chris Gayle, Ravi Bopara, and Thisara Perera.

9. Mehidy Hasan (Rajshahi Kings)

One of the brightest young talents in Bangladesh Mehidy Hasan grabbed the limelight with some serious performances against England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The off-break bowler has been bamboozling batters with his variations and will be quite a valuable asset for Rajshahi Kings. He will be playing under the leadership of Mushfiqur this season.

10. Taskin Ahmed (Chittagong Vikings)

Taskin Ahmed made a spectacular debut against India, but failed to live up to the expectations later on. Nevertheless, his performances for Bangladesh have been decent. Blessed with a wonderful physique and raw pace, Taskin will add more fire power to the Chittagong unit led by Soumya Sarkar.

11. Mustafizur Rahman (Rajshahi Kings)

One of the most popular Bangla cricketers, Mustafizur was on the global map with hisincredible rendition in the title winning season for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. His lanky action and canny approach is quite a puzzle for the batsmen to solve. He will be Rajshahis’ go-to bowler and skipper Mushfiqur has one sorted death overs bowler already.