Nazmul Abedin Fahim, Director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), expressed optimism about the upcoming Global Super League (GSL) T20 tournament, viewing it as a prime opportunity for Bangladeshi cricketers to showcase their skills on an international stage and increase their visibility in the global franchise circuit.
While a few Bangladeshi players have recently broken into overseas T20 leagues, Fahim noted that the numbers are still below potential.
The GSL T20, organized by the West Indies Cricket Board and as per the set to take place from November 27 to December 6, will feature Rangpur Riders as the first Bangladeshi team to compete in this league. Fahim is hopeful that this milestone will elevate Bangladesh cricket’s reputation globally.
“This event is unique; a Bangladeshi team participating in a Global T20 is a first. It can elevate our cricket to new heights,” Fahim said. “Congratulations to Rangpur Riders, who are representing Bangladesh’s best. We hope they perform well, as the exposure will showcase the skills of our local players in T20 cricket.”
The tournament will feature five teams competing for a prize pool of US$1 million across 11 matches. The participants include CPL’s Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, and Victoria.
Rangpur Riders’ lineup includes seasoned Bangladeshi players like Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, and Mahedi Hasan, along with international players such as Steven Taylor, Khushdil Shah, Matthew Ford, Harmeet Singh, Wayne Madsen, and Jack Chappell.
“Rangpur Riders aren’t just representing their club; they’re representing Bangladesh and the BCB. I hope they give their best effort,” Fahim added.
According to Fahim, BCB will particularly monitor the local players’ performance. “There are both national team members and emerging players in the Rangpur squad. BCB will closely watch their performances,” he said, emphasizing that excelling on foreign soil could be a deciding factor for future selections.
This tournament represents a key opportunity for Bangladeshi talent to earn recognition beyond national borders and potentially open doors to more international league contracts.