BPL is very competitive: Shoaib Malik

As BPL, Big Bash, and UAE leagues are happening around the same time, there is a competition to get cricketers there. Star cricketers from different countries are seen in the franchises. The relationship between Pakistan star cricketers and with Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is not new. Star cricketers like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Rizwan are seen playing BPL. However, Shaheen Afridi could not come this season due to an injury. And because the standard of cricket in BPL is competitive, Malik came here to play. Pakistan’s star cricketer Shoaib Malik made such a comment recently.

Malik is playing for Rangpur Riders in the current season of BPL. Earlier, he played BPL for Comilla Victorians, Chittagong Vikings and Rajshahi Royals. This Pakistani cricketer sees competitive cricket in BPL. He claims that the opportunity to improve in the game is available due to the chance to play in different conditions.

While facing the media recently, Shoaib Malik said, “I enjoy BPL very much. The standard of cricket here is very competitive and enjoyable to play. The pitch condition in BPL is also different here. I know from my experience of playing BPL, the pitch here is one kind in Chittagong, another in Dhaka, and again different in Sylhet. Although it is challenging for the cricketers, there are opportunities for the cricketers to improve as the conditions are different at each venue. That’s why I came to Bangladesh and played here, enjoying the tournament so far.”

Malik thinks that the success rate of Bangladesh in its own conditions is excellent. He said, “Bangladesh cricket has progressed significantly in the last few years. Many things have changed with the times. With the emergence of new talented players, cricket here is now known all over the world. Bangladeshi cricketers are getting a chance to prove themselves in the leagues of different parts of the world—the success of Bangladesh in its own conditions. The success rate is great. They are consistently doing well in series at home.”

Even if Bangladesh does well in the country’s conditions, the Tigers can only do a little on foreign soil. Therefore, team Bangladesh has to improve its performance outside the country, which Malik also wants. He said, “Bangladesh’s performance abroad is not that good as compared to home ground. They still need to improve in this place. They need to perform consistently on foreign soil. But if we talk about talent in this country, there is enough. Now it is necessary to give enough opportunities to young cricketers so that they can prove themselves. If they are given enough opportunities in the team, they can improve in the game and do well abroad.”

It should be noted that this Pakistani cricketer is in great rhythm with the bat even though he is over 40 years old. He is number seven on the list of current run scorers in BPL. He scored 225 runs in seven matches at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 134.73. Two half-centuries have come from his bat so far this season.