Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam says his focus is firmly on the T20 World Cup after being named in the national squad, viewing the tournament as the pinnacle for any professional cricketer and a test of both fitness and execution under pressure.
Shoriful has already established himself as a regular in Bangladesh’s T20 side, with 63 wickets from 59 internationals, and arrives at the World Cup build-up in steady domestic form. Representing Chattogram Royals, Shoriful has played a key role in their strong start to the tournament, with three wins from their first four matches placing them at the top of the points table.
In four matches for Chattogram, he has taken six wickets the most by any bowler for his side while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 5.92 runs per over. He has conceded just 13 runs per wicket, outstanding figures for a fast bowler in the T20 format.
“Alhamdulillah, it feels very good,” Shoriful said. “Every professional player wants to play in a World Cup. Getting the opportunity to be part of the squad is something I’m very grateful for.”
With the BPL being played in the lead-up to the tournament, Shoriful believes the timing offers valuable preparation, particularly for fast bowlers who rely on rhythm as much as raw pace.
“Because it’s a T20 World Cup and we are playing T20 matches now, this period is very important,” he said. “If I can stay fit and play matches, I can get into a good rhythm.”
One of Shoriful’s key responsibilities is likely to be bowling at the death, an area that continues to define matches in modern T20 cricket. He accepts that conceding boundaries is part of the role but stresses the importance of clear thinking and execution.
“In the death overs, bowlers and captains understand that one or two boundaries can happen,” he said. “Batters are coming to attack. The main thing is how we come back and how we deliver our best ball at that moment.”
While domestic performances remain important, Shoriful insists his approach is not driven by personal targets. In the BPL, his priority is maintaining fitness and contributing to wins rather than chasing numbers.
“My mindset is simple,” he said. “I want to play match by match, stay fit and make winning contributions for the team.”
Fitness, however, is the underlying concern as Bangladesh prepare for the physical demands of a global tournament. Shoriful is realistic about the uncertainty that surrounds selection and workloads, particularly for fast bowlers.
“I will try my best to stay healthy and do what the team demands,” he said. “I don’t know how many matches I will play, but my goal is to stay fit and finish the World Cup.”
Shoriful also welcomed the rise of young fast bowlers across Bangladesh’s domestic and age-group structures, describing the growing depth as a positive sign for the national team.
“They are doing well, and that’s good for Bangladesh,” he said. “I hope they continue to improve and take the team forward.”
As the World Cup approaches, Shoriful had a final message for supporters. “Please keep us in your prayers so that we can do something special at the World Cup, Inshallah,” he said. “I hope I can contribute well.”
