Sunil Narine, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali opt to play BPL over PSL

As per the latest development, T20 stalwarts Faf du Plessis, Sunil Narine and Moeen Ali are set to feature in the eighth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). All three players will play for Comilla Victorians, who have lifted the BPL title twice. All three players are proven stars of this format and their addition would definitely boost up the Victorians.

It must be noted that the trio didn’t register for the seventh season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). They were also not part of the draft which took place last Sunday. Moreover, the 2022 editions of BLP and PSL are coinciding with each other. Hence, Ali, Du Plessis, and Narine have preferred the Bangladesh competition ahead of PSL.

“BCB has said this is a month-long BPL. There will be six teams. Three foreign players can be taken. We are working accordingly. We have signed all three. We have confirmed Sunil Narine, Faf du Plessis, and Moeen Ali,” Nafisa Kamal, the managing director of Comilla, was quoted as saying to the media, CricFrenzy reported. The Victorians won their maiden title in 2015-16 and got the glory for the second time in 2018-19.

BPL to clash with PSL

The BPL is scheduled to kick-start on January 20 and is likely to continue for around a month until February 20. On the other hand, PSL is set to get underway on January 27. As the past few editions of PSL have witnessed some exciting action over the 22 yards, the viewership of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) could be affected.

Meanwhile, BPL management is not concerned about the matter. They are looking to organize players’ draft this month and teams are likely to include three foreign players in their squad. Six franchises will play the competition.

“We are not worried about the PSL and we are expecting to host the players draft of this month but the only thing that we are worried about is the corona situation,” Sheikh Sohel, BPL governing council member was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan. It was also reported that teams like Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders and Dhaka Dynamites have pulled out of the tournament due to one-year contracts.