ILT20 clash disrupts BPL’s foreign contingents

A clash of dates with the ongoing International League T20 (ILT20) has cast a shadow over the availability of overseas players in the opening phase of the 12th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), set to begin on December 26.

ILT20's league phase matches run until December 28, with playoffs and the final scheduled between December 30 and January 4. Many foreign roped in by BPL sides are currently tied up in this league and if their respective teams qualify for the playoffs, they are likely to miss the Sylhet phase, which will run till January 2.

Dhaka Capitals have assembled a strong overseas contingent featuring England batter Alex Hales, Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. However, all three are currently in action in the ILT20.

Shanaka's participation remains particularly doubtful for the entire tournament as he was recently appointed as Sri Lanka's T20I captain till the ICC T20 World Cup, and the Lankans have a three-match home T20I series against Pakistan lined up early next month.

Dhaka officials, however, remain hopeful about having Usman Khan, Imad Wasim, Odean Smith and Zubaid Akbari from the start, with all four expected to arrive in Sylhet by December 24.

Rangpur Riders also face uncertainty over Kyle Mayers as the all-rounder's ILT20 side Gulf Giants are fourth on the table with two league matches remaining. If they advance to the playoffs, Rangpur are likely to miss Mayers for at least part of the Sylhet leg, where they play four matches starting December 29.

"If Mayers' team is out of the ILT20, we are hopeful to get him from the beginning. Otherwise, he may miss a few games," a Rangpur official said, adding that the franchise expects their other foreign players to be available from the outset.

Newcomers Noakhali Express are also waiting on several overseas recruits. Mohammad Nabi and Sadequllah Atal are currently representing Dubai Capitals while Johnson Charles is playing for Sharjah Warriorz in the ILT20 and will join after completing their stints. Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis' availability is in serious doubt after he reportedly suffered an injury and may require surgery.

Sylhet Titans' Moeen Ali and Azmatullah Omarzai, both part of the Gulf Giants in the ILT20, are expected to arrive only after the tournament in the UAE concludes.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, currently representing Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriorz respectively, are expected to link up with their BPL franchises after December 24, the last date of their NOCs.