There are no practice matches scheduled for the Tigers before the first of two Test matches away to Pakistan, scheduled to get underway next Friday in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh cricketers however, need not worry as the franchise-based four-day Bangladesh Cricket League begins Friday, much to the relief of the probable Test squad members.
Central Zone and East Zone will lock horns with each other in the first round at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka while reigning champion South Zone will face off against North Zone in Chittagong’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Both the matches will begin at 9:30am.
East Zone captain Mominul Haque expressed delight at getting the opportunity to hone their longer-version skills before traveling to Pakistan.
@BCBtigers cricket team trainer Mario Villavarayan has decided to take up a job with @IPL Twenty20 side @SunRisers Hyderabad after parting ways with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.https://t.co/kyRacCA7Lp#BCBTIGERS #BANGLADESHCRICKET #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #BCB #TIGERS #VILLAVARAYAN
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) January 30, 2020
“It was important to play a match, as opposed to training, before the first Test. The BCL match will help us to know where we are with regards to our respective games,” said Mominul to the media in Mirpur Thursday.
The diminutive batsman also praised the formation of his side, comprising the likes of Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Abu Jayed, Nayeem Hasan, Rubel Hossain and Taijul Islam.
Central Zone in contrast, have Saif Hasan, Nazmul Islam, Mohammad Mithun, Mustafizur Rahman and Mehedi Hasan Miraz in their ranks.
Central Zone skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto also praised the combination of his side and said despite missing some national stars from the second round onwards, they would be able to cope with it.
Shanto went on to appreciate the hosting of the BCL, and informed that this tournament will be a good platform for the players to play well and gain confidence.
