Bangladesh Premier Division Cricket League Preview - III (3 December 1998)

3 December 1998

Bangladesh Premier Division Cricket League Preview - III

By Al-Amin

The emergence of Kalabagan Krira Chakra as a major force in the domestic cricket circuit is a compliment of a motivated set of young organisers. It was not long ago that the modernistic powerhouse were struggling for their very survival in a makeshift clubhouse adjacent to the unkempt Kalabagan park. The last couple of years, however, saw a sea of change; a new building replacing the tin-shed and the otherwise bumpy meadow turning into lush greenery.

Kalabagan shot into the limelight when they finished runners-up in 1994-95. Their potentialities were further exposed when they repeated the feat the following year. But, the coveted championship remains elusive.

Bagan slipped to third place last season, but they look stronger this year as they renew their bid for a maiden title triumph. Not that they are once again depending on their foreign recruits, who have so far proved to be the cutting edge in their phenomenal rise. Cricket fans are yet to forget a Zahid Ahmed, the middle-aged Pakistani, who won many a match for Kalabagan. Or a Manzoor Elahi, for his pyrotechnics with the willow.

It is promising to note that unlike previous years, Kalabagan have recruited a much better band of local talent by roping in some young cricketers. Sajid Hassan, who played for Mohammedan last season, joined Kalabagan this year. Mushfiqur Rahman and Fahim Muntasir Sumit, who recently donned the national cap, are their other prized buys.

With hard-hitting opener Harun-ur Rashid staying back, discarded national seamer Saiful Islam likely to lead the team for the second successive year, Sajjad Ahmed Monsur hopeful to find his class and, after a turbulent year, Mahabubur Rahman Selim working hard to get back his rhythm, the long-serving Kalabagan coach Dipu Rai Choudhury was confident that his team could be motivated into a winning force.

"This time we are more resourceful than in the previous years. We have lost a couple of players this year. But at the same time we have got a spirited young side. Sajid, Sumit Mukul, Mushfiq and Shipon are always assets for a good fielding side", said Dipu Rai while talking to this reporter yesterday.

"We have some experienced players, but this is more like a young side. They are inexperienced to some extent. But I can assure you a cohesive and spirited Kalabagan side this year", claimed the former national cricketer.

A fine left-arm paceman of the yesteryears, Dipu said: " I'm counting on my batting and fielding rather than on bowling, which lacks penetration. Sajid and Liton will open the innings".

Of the two openers, Liton loves to play his shots. The balding right-hander has provided early onslaughts in the first fifteen overs. However, Sajid is more compact of the two openers. But Sajid, who hardly found a place in the regular Mohammedan eleven last year, needs a lot of hard work to get his confidence back.

"Shipon will bat at number three followed by Selim", continued Dipu. Shipon is no doubt one of the few players, who possess a solid technique. But the BKSP product lacks concentration and most of the time throws away his wicket. For Selim, known for his trademark pullshot, it will be a real test to find his former self after a disturbing season last year, when he was suspended by his club at the onset of the inter-club cricketers' transfer.

"We are thinking of bringing a couple of good all-rounders from abroad. But, Mushfiq is not a bad choice to bat at number five and wicketkeeper Ishtiaq to follow. Besides, lower down the order, Mukul, Saiful and Saikat can also bat a bit", said Dipu.

Dipu, however, looked quite concerned about his bowling department. "We have a few disciplined bowlers. But, to tell you frankly, we are in need of a real penetrative fast bowler. Pakistani Shahid Saeed will open the bowling with Saiful. But you can hardly expect a good bouncer from Saiful", said Dipu.

Saiful, who is living with a chronic injury on his bowling arm, lost his swing and pace, and can hardly bend his back for the last couple of years. But Kalabagan possess a good set of spinners. Sumit, who had a wonderful debut for the national team against the touring West Indies A with a haul of three wickets in a three-day match, will lead the three-man attack with Mukul, the most successful Kalabagan bowler with 27 wickets last season, and left-arm tweaker Sharfuddowlah Ibne-Shahid Saikat.

Dipu argued that the introduction of 80-over matches in the league will not affect the players' performance as they are accustomed to limited-over games. " I believe, it still is a limited-over game", he said.

Elaborating the chances of other teams, Dipu said: "The championship will be a four-way battle. Kalabagan apart, Abahani and Brothers are the two strongest teams in the fray. I think Biman is the other contender for the title".

"Although many people are talking about Surjo Tarun, I have my reservation. They might have taken some good players. But I think they are not a balanced side", said Dipu.

The southpaw, however, did not rule out the chances of Mohammedan SC. "They might be the most affected team this year. But their bowling department is very strong. I think a couple of good batsman in their ranks can change their face", said Dipu.

Source :: The Bangladesh Daily Star (https://www.dailystarnews.com)