Bangladesh cricketers are currently enjoying their break following the successful ODI series victory against Pakistan. While most players will regroup after Eid-ul-Fitr to gear up for the upcoming home white-ball series against New Zealand, plans differ for the six players set to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The Tigers are scheduled to face New Zealand in three ODIs on April 17, 20, and 23, followed by a three-match T20I series on April 27, 29, and May 2. Ahead of these matches, Bangladesh will kick off a white-ball training camp starting March 27.
However, the six PSL-bound players – Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon (Lahore Qalandars), Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim (Peshawar Zalmi), and Rishad Hossain (Rawalpindi Pindiz) – will not be part of the camp. They have obtained No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to participate in the PSL, which is scheduled from March 26 to May 3.
Although Tanzid’s signing with Peshawar had not been officially announced at the time of reporting, sources within the BCB’s cricket operations verified his selection. The BCB has issued partial NOCs to the players, aiming to retain most of them for the ODI series crucial for World Cup qualification.
Mustafizur Rahman, recovering from an injury scare in the recent ODI against Pakistan, has been granted a split NOC. He will be available for the ODI series but exempted from the T20Is to explore other bowling options. The other players have been granted NOCs until varying dates in April, allowing them to be considered for both ODI and T20I series selection.
BCB’s cricket operations chairman, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, stressed the board’s commitment to safeguarding its interests with NOCs while ensuring players benefit from franchise league experience. Bangladesh, currently ranked ninth in the ICC ODI rankings following their series win against Pakistan, have a chance to narrow the gap with eighth-placed England by securing victories against New Zealand.
The New Zealand team is expected to arrive in Dhaka on April 13 for the upcoming series.