SAMSUL AREFIN KHAN

For years, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and pacer Mustafizur Rahman were Bangladesh’s only regulars in franchise-based T20 leagues around the world before leg-spinner Rishad Hossain joined their ranks with recent appearances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Big Bash League (BBL).

Despite that slight progress, opportunities for other Bangladeshi players remained limited, largely due to inconsistent performances and, at times, a lack of confidence stemming from earlier underwhelming stints by compatriots.

However, this year’s PSL marks a significant shift.

The tournament, which begins today at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, will feature six Bangladeshi players -- the highest number from the country in a single overseas franchise league.

Mustafizur and Parvez Hossain Emon will represent Lahore Qalandars, while Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana and Tanzid Hasan Tamim will play for Peshawar Zalmi. Rishad, meanwhile, is set to represent Rawalpindi Pindiz.

All players have already joined their respective squads after receiving partial NOCs and government clearance.

For Tanzid and Emon, the PSL will mark their first experience in overseas franchise cricket. Shoriful has previously featured in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and several T10 competitions, while Nahid was part of a previous PSL edition but did not get a game.

Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB’s) cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim believes such exposure will play a vital role in their development as players.

“Playing at home in familiar conditions is very different from performing in an unfamiliar environment with a new team, new crowd and added pressure. This is where professionalism and accountability truly come into play -- something we cannot fully replicate in domestic cricket,” Fahim told The Daily Star on Wednesday.

“While experienced players like Mustafizur know what to expect, for others this is a huge learning opportunity. Those who succeed will gain confidence, and the national team will benefit from that growth,” he added.

Fahim also noted that improved performances could open more doors for Bangladeshi cricketers in global leagues.

“There might have been questions about how much trust there was in our players before, but that area seems to be improving as they become more reliable to others… If we look at Sri Lanka or Afghanistan, playing in foreign franchises is a major source of their strength. We haven’t been able to utilise this area until now, but with six players going this time, I hope more will go next year.”

Former national cricketer and coach Hannan Sarkar credited recent improvements in domestic conditions as a reason behind this surge in numbers.

“A positive factor is that the BPL has been played on better wickets for the last two years. This has helped our bowlers develop and our batters grow their shot-making abilities. Franchise teams show interest because they observe who performs well in our domestic franchise leagues.”

Previously, Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Mohammad Ashraful and Litton Das had featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL), while Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman and Anamul Haque had stints in the PSL, though few managed to secure long-term success.

With a new generation now getting opportunities, Bangladesh’s cricket fraternity will hope these players will seize the moment.