Franchise cricket has emerged as a vital component of contemporary cricket, particularly in the rapidly growing domestic T20 leagues that provide lucrative financial incentives and a glamorous atmosphere. These leagues attract the attention of cricketers worldwide, with many aiming to participate. However, Bangladeshi players have had limited involvement in foreign leagues, with only a few securing contracts. Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman stand out as the primary exceptions, having consistently featured in such tournaments, while other Bangladeshi cricketers have found it more challenging to break through.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is often the key factor behind this limited participation, as they regularly withhold No Objection Certificates (NOCs) required for cricketers to join foreign leagues. Even when permission is granted, strict time limitations are imposed, causing franchises to lose interest in Bangladeshi players despite initial signings. This recurring issue continues to generate criticism toward the BCB, yet the board remains resolute in its decisions, acting according to its own judgment.
With the Pakistan Super League (PSL) approaching, the NOC debate has once again taken center stage. The PSL is scheduled to begin on 11 April, with players such as Nahid Rana, Liton Kumar Das, and Rishad Hossain signed by PSL teams. However, BCB President Faruque Ahmed has clarified that none of these players have yet applied for the necessary NOC.
Despite these restrictions, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed his support for players participating in leagues like the PSL, acknowledging that such opportunities are valuable for their development. Speaking on Nahid Rana’s involvement in the PSL, Shanto, who is currently captaining Abahani in the Dhaka Premier League, shared, “He (Nahid Rana) should play in such tournaments. Franchise cricket should definitely be played. But it entirely depends on the cricket board, coach, captain—everything.”
Shanto also highlighted the potential benefits of Bangladeshi players gaining experience in foreign leagues. “I think if our cricketers start playing in foreign franchise leagues, they will gain valuable experience and learn to take responsibility. Sharing a dressing room with overseas players will be a great learning experience. Hopefully, our players will get more opportunities in such tournaments in the future,” he added.
Shanto is particularly optimistic about Nahid’s potential, as Peshawar Zalmi has signed the young fast bowler for the PSL. As Nahid’s teammate both in the national team and at Abahani, Shanto is eager to see him shine. “He is a great asset to our cricket. We can see how the cricketing world is talking about him. The best part is that the national team’s physios and Abahani’s management are maintaining his workload efficiently. He is playing accordingly and, by the grace of Allah, remains fit. He has retained his energy,” Shanto remarked.
Meanwhile, Abahani is leading the points table in the Dhaka Premier League with four wins from five matches. However, despite the team’s success, Shanto has struggled with the bat, accumulating only 78 runs in four innings, with a highest score of 37 and a concerning strike rate of 53.79. Despite this, Shanto remains focused on the bigger picture, stating, “As long as the team is winning matches, I am not too worried about my batting.”
