Akbar getting ‘more used to’ T20 mode ahead of BPL

Wicket-keeper batter Akbar Ali has been captaining in domestic leagues for a while but in the upcoming BPL, he will not be playing for Rajshahi Warriors as the skipper with Najmul Hossain Shanto named the captain. Akbar was relishing the prospect of playing as a batter and said he was getting used to the T20 mode.

Akbar played the NCL T20 tournament before also heading to the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament in the UAE. "Actually whatever format we play in, the seriousness is same. But last few days we have been playing more T20s so in that regard I am getting more used to it," he said after Rajshahi's practice at Mirpur's Academy Ground on Sunday.

Akbar finished fourth in top run-getters' list in the last NCL T20, scoring 203 runs in nine matches.

"Look, every player expects to play, and I also have that expectation — that Inshallah I will play (as a batter)," he said on hopes of featuring in games as a batter.

"But as I said, this is completely a team management decision about who plays and who doesn't. I am ready, and whenever the need arises, Inshallah I am ready to play in any role," he added.

It is expected that Mushfiqur Rahim will don the wicket-keeping gloves for the star-studded Rajshahi lineup. "Since you mentioned Mushfiqur bhai, of course having him in the team is a big blessing. I would say there is a lot to learn from him, and I think every player can take something from him. So we will also try to take as much as possible from him," Akbar added.