Ace-batter Mushfiqur Rahim is set to play for Sylhet Division in the forthcoming NCL T20, as the eight teams of the tournament were announced on Thursday.听
The former national team captain is originally from Bogura, a district of Rajshahi Division, and played for Rajshahi last year.听
However, Akram Khan, the BCB director and chairman of the tournament committee, earlier hinted that Mushfiq had expressed his intention to play for Sylhet.听
The 38-year-old has retired from the international white-ball tournament but continued playing in domestic circuits as well as in the BPL.听
Dhaka Metro coach Nazmul Hossain, who hails from Sylhet, said that the primary objective should be to ensure the division players鈥� opportunities.听
鈥楳ushfiq previously played for Sylhet in NCL. But overall I think getting an opportunity for the players of a particular division is important,鈥� Nazmul told reporters in Mirpur on Wednesday.听
However, Nazmul does not oppose players from other divisions representing different regions.听
鈥楽ometimes there might be more players in Sylhet and fewer in Chattogram. Then an equilibrium is good for cricketers. More opportunities can be created in such a way,鈥� the former national team pacer added.听
Mahmudullah, another veteran, will play for Dhaka Metro, who finished runners-up last season. Among big names, former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will feature for Rajshahi, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Soumya Sarkar will represent Khulna.听
Pacer Nahid Rana and experienced left-arm spinner Taijul Islam鈥攚ho were recently picked by Durban鈥檚 Supergiants in SA20鈥攚ill bolster the bowling attack of Rajshahi.听
The players who are currently in the UAE to play the Asia Cup have been on the standby lists of their respective divisions.听
The T20 tournament, which was reinvigorated by the BCB last year, would commence on September 14 at two grounds in Rajshahi and Bogura, respectively.听
The final is scheduled on October 3 in Sylhet, where the last phase of the tournament will be held.听
Rangpur beat Dhaka Metro to clinch the trophy last year.听
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