On the eve of the Bangladesh Premier League opener in Sylhet on Wednesday, Sylhet Titans captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said his focus remains firmly on performance, insisting off-field issues will not distract players as the tournament gets under way.
Speaking after a training session at the Sylhet International Stadium, Miraz said there was a sense of excitement among players with the BPL beginning in Sylhet for the first time. “Everyone is very excited,” he said. “We wait the whole year for this tournament. To have the start here in Sylhet feels really good.”
Sylhet begin their campaign against Rajshahi Warriors on Thursday, setting up a meeting between two national team captains, Miraz and Rajshahi’s Najmul Hossain Shanto. Asked whether past results against Shanto’s side would have any bearing, Miraz was quick to downplay comparisons. “That was a different match and a different situation,” he said. “This is the BPL. Now all the best local and overseas players are involved. We will see what happens on the day.”
The build-up to the tournament has been marked by several off-field developments, including changes in franchise ownership and concerns around organisation and payments. Miraz said such matters were being handled by the Bangladesh Cricket Board and should not affect players. “The BPL is organised by the cricket board and they are trying their best to improve things,” he said. “When the board is involved, players feel safe. They have said players will be ensured safety and payments, and that is a positive thing for us.”
Miraz confirmed that Sylhet players were due to receive their payments shortly. “They have called us today and told us everyone will be given cheques,” he said.
As one of the more senior players in the competition, Miraz was asked whether the attention on off-field issues was frustrating. He disagreed. “As players, our job is to perform on the field,” he said. “The management and organisers will deal with everything else. We are professional cricketers. Our focus is on the match and the BPL.”
Despite talk around other franchises, Miraz believes Sylhet have a balanced squad capable of competing throughout the tournament. “The championship is still a long way away,” he said. “We have many matches to play before thinking about finals. But every franchise dreams of winning, and so do I. Sylhet have never been champions. If we could do that for the first time, it would mean a lot.”
On team selection and conditions, Miraz remained guarded, saying decisions would be taken after assessing the pitch on match day. “We will look at the wicket in the morning and then decide,” he said. “Whether we play more pace or spin will depend on that.”
As for facing Rajshahi, Miraz offered respect rather than bravado. “They are a very good team with several national players and a strong combination,” he said. “There is no chance of taking them lightly. Hopefully, it will be a good match.”
