PCB clears 15 players for Bangladesh Premier League

Veterans Afridi, Tanvir discuss roles in respective sides

KARACHI: The PCB has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to as many as 15 national players for their participation in next month’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

But opener Sharjeel Khan, middle-order batsman Babar Azam and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz’s NOCs were withheld since they are likely to be part of the Test team’s tour to New Zealand.

If the trio miss out on selection then they are likely to get the clearance for participation in the league.

The 15 players include Shoaib Malik and Imran Khan Junior (Chittagong Vikings), Rumman Raees (Barishal Bulls), Usama Mir (Dhaka Dynamites), Khalid Latif, Ahmed Shehzad, Shahzaib Hasan, Imad Wasim, Sohail Tanvir (Comilla Victorians), Mohammad Asghar and Junaid Khan (Khulna Tigers), Shahid Afridi, Nasir Jamshed (Rungpur Raiders), Mohammad Sami (Rajshahi Kings).



Preparing to play as opener in BPL: Afridi

Former T20 captain Shahid Afridi, in a recent interview, revealed that the Raisers management has asked him to prepare for the opening slot so he can take advantage of the power play overs.

“The management wants me to open the innings, and I am giving it some serious thought. It would be an exciting challenge since I haven’t opened for a long time, but I will assess my preparations before making a call on whether I am ready for the role or not,” said Afridi.



Tanvir hoping to carry on all-round form

T20 nomad Tanvir, who will represent defending champions Comilla Victorians, impressed in the three-match T20 series against the West Indies last month and wants to sustain the momentum ahead of Pakistan’s tour of Australia.

“I am happy to represent the defending champions; my aim is to not only help my team defend their title but also to perform consistently,” said the left-armer.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2016.

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