Bangladeshi cricketers are currently enjoying their break following a successful ODI series against Pakistan. While most players will regroup after Eid-ul-Fitr to gear up for the upcoming home white-ball series against New Zealand, the six players bound for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have different plans.
The Bangladesh team is scheduled to play three ODIs against New Zealand on April 17, 20, and 23, followed by a three-match T20I series on April 27, 29, and May 2. Prior to the series, Bangladesh will kick off a white-ball training camp starting on March 27.
However, the six PSL-contracted players – Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon (Lahore Qalandars), Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim (Peshawar Zalmi), and Rishad Hossain (Rawalpindi Pindiz) – will not participate in the camp. They have been granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to compete in the league, which runs from March 26 to May 3.
The BCB has issued partial NOCs to the players, prioritizing their availability for the crucial ODI series as Bangladesh aims to secure a spot in the next year’s ICC ODI World Cup. Mustafizur Rahman, recovering from an injury scare, has been granted a two-part NOC, allowing him to be available for the ODI series but exempting him from the T20I matches.
The other PSL-bound players have been granted NOCs until different dates in April based on their potential roles in the upcoming series against New Zealand. BCB officials have emphasized the importance of balancing player participation in franchise leagues with national team commitments.
Following their 2-1 series victory over Pakistan, Bangladesh has moved up to ninth place in the ICC ODI rankings. Although a 3-0 win against New Zealand won’t push them higher in the rankings, the team has the opportunity to narrow the gap with eighth-placed England. The New Zealand team is expected to arrive in Dhaka on April 13.
