DT
Sport 25
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
INSIDE
Bangladesh pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman (C), making his Indian Premier League debut yesterday for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, celebrates the dismissal of Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman AB de Villiers (unseen) with team mates Eoin Morgan (L) and Shikhar Dhawan. Mustafizur also picked up the wicket of the dangerous Shane Watson and ended up conceding only 26 runs in his quota of four overs. However, the rest of the Sunrisers bowlers failed miserably as Royal Challengers posted 227/4 in 20 overs
Musa steers All Reds to nervy win A fine display by Nigerian forward Kolo Musa inspired Muktijoddha to their second victory in the KFC Independence Cup as they edged Mohammedan 2-1 at BNS yesterday. Musa designed the first goal, which was later announced as an own goal. PAGE 26
Ireland reveal Afghanistan series Ireland will face Afghanistan in a five-match one-day series at Belfast’s Stormont ground in July, officials announced yesterday. The teams are two of the world’s leading non-Test or Associate nations. Afghanistan impressed again on the international stage during the recent WT20 in India. PAGE 27
–BCCI
Mahmudullah hopes for fans’ continuous support n Mazhar Uddin
Misfiring Barcelona seek response at ATM Barcelona can redress their stuttering domestic form by sealing their passage to the UCL semi-finals when they visit Atletico Madrid. Barca are in their worst run of form in La Liga since coach Luis Enrique took charge. PAGE 28
James Taylor forced to retire England and Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor has been forced to retire because of a serious heart condition. Scans have shown that Taylor, 26, has a condition similar to the one which affected footballer Fabrice Muamba. PAGE 29
Bangladesh’s most dependable batsman in recent times, Mahmudullah has come a long way ever since making his international bow nine years ago. The 30-year old stylish right-hander transformed himself as an integral part of the Tigers set-up in the 2015 World Cup when he smashed back-to-back hundreds. With the forthcoming Dhaka Premier League season 2015-16 season starting from April 22, Mahmudullah, who led Prime Bank Cricket Club to the title in the last edition, was the first cricketer to be called up in the recently held players’ draft. Having been roped in by the same club for the upcoming edition of the premier 50-over competition of the country, the classical batsman, who spoke to the media yesterday for the first time since the 2016 World Twenty20, shared his thoughts on the recently concluded flagship event and the 2015-16 Dhaka League. Here are the excerpts:
You were the captain of the champion team, Prime Bank, in
the previous season of the Dhaka League. Did you expect that you would be the first player to be called up in the players’ draft?
No actually, I did not expect such things but obviously, it feels great to get the first call among the icon cricketers. I would like to thank Sk Jamal club for their trust in me.
What’s your take on the current Sheikh Jamal squad?
We are a young team and I think it will be a big challenge for me and
also for the club. But at the same time, it’s a great opportunity as well. I feel good playing with the young cricketers as they also want to face the challenge. So hopefully we will be able to execute our game-plans which will be important.
Are you relaxed at the moment?
Yes I am as we have been in action in the last few months. We had a break of two weeks. Following the break, I came for training. As the league will start soon and it will be a long season I have to make sure I remain fit.
Any message for the Bangladesh supporters?
One thing I would like to request to all the fans is that we always try to win but at times we fail. With that said, we need to get the support from our fans which is very important. I expect those who have been supporting Bangladesh cricket will continue supporting us even if we fail. And I hope that we will play much better cricket in the coming days as we have a lot to achieve for Bangladesh. It’s just the beginning and God willing, we will play much better cricket and move forward. l
Taskin to appear for bowling review after DPL n Minhaz Uddin Khan Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed will appear for the review of his bowling action following the Dhaka Premier League season 2015-16, beginning on April 22. Taskin, who has already been provided with the guidelines by the national team management, will follow those while playing for Abahani Limited in the upcoming DPL. According to sources, the matches played by the right-arm speedster in the lone 50-over competition will be recorded as reference points before he undergoes the retest. He is most likely to appear for a retest in Chennai, the same place that had termed his bowling action illegal. Taskin, along with Bangladesh left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny were suspended from bowling with immediate effect by the International Cricket Council on March 19 after an independent assessment found their actions to be illegal. Both the bowlers underwent assessments in Chennai prior to being suspended from international cricket. Both Taskin and Sunny’s bowling actions came into question following their 2016 World Twenty20 first round clash against the Netherlands in Dharamsala.l