SPORTS REPORTER

The Dhaka leg of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) begins today at a time when all focus is on the uncertainty regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup set to begin in India and Sri Lanka on February 7.

Communications are ongoing between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the board’s request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches outside India.

Amid such uncertainty, the national team players are carrying on with their World Cup prep in the BPL, which includes Bangladesh and Rajshahi Warriors opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim.

Najmul Hossain Shanto -- captain of Rajshahi -- had earlier said that players “act” unfazed when faced with an uncertain situation before a global event, but actually are affected. Tanzid, however, claimed he is unaffected by the recent developments and is only focused on his World Cup preparation.

“No, it’s not disturbing [regarding uncertainty over World Cup venue]… As we won’t get much time after the BPL, we have to complete our preparation within the BPL,” he said.

“The BCB and the ICC are in communication so that we can go to the World Cup and play in a suitable and safe place. I believe they’re working on this properly,” he added.

Many of the national team batters struggled to make an impact for most of the Sylhet phase, but by the end, some good performances emerged.

Tanzid himself struggled to notch big runs, but seemingly turned a corner when he managed a 76 off 43 balls in the last game against Dhaka, helping Rajshahi to a seven-wicket win which also sealed their playoff qualification.

The left-hander said most of the players are now overcoming a bad run.

“The first few matches were a bit poor for most of us, but everyone is trying to overcome that and perform consistently. I can see that most players are now doing that, which should give us some confidence for the World Cup,” he said.

With only six matches left in the league phase, table-toppers Rajshahi, Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans have already ensured playoff berth while Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Capitals and Noakhali Express vie for the one remaining spot.