Chattogram Challengers oozed with confidence to make a winning start when they play against Sylhet Thunder in Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) opener tomorrow (Wednesday) but its stand-in captain Imrul Kayes said the regular captain Mahmudullah’s place will be tougher to fill up, reports Cricfrenzy.
“It’s difficult to make a combination without Mahmudullah Riyad,” Imrul Kayes, who will lead Chattogram Challengers in absence of Mahmudullah said on Tuesday after the side’s practice session.
“We will miss his service in the first two matches. We are yet to know, whether any foreign or local player will replace him but it is certain that whoever replaces him, it will be difficult. But at the same time, whoever plays in place of him will try to utilize the opportunity.”
Mahmudullah sustained a hamstring injury during the pink-ball Test in Kolkata last month and is yet to recover from that.
“But still we are confident to make a winning start because we have got the good mix of local and foreign players,” Kayes revealed.
He further said that winning start to the tournament is important to gain the early momentum.
“Everyone wants to make a good start because if we can start well, we will gain the necessary confidence. To start the season well, it’s indeed important to win the first game. Everyone is upbeat and is keen to win the game against Sylhet,” he informed.
Kayes however said that it won’t be difficult for him to adjust with the Chattogram team environment especially after spending five years with Cumilla Victorians in the BPL.
“All local players are known to me. So it’s not a problem at all. After playing one or two matches together, I hope I will adjust properly. The unity will also be strong after one or two matches.”
Sylhet Thunder head coach Harchelle Gibbs meanwhile said that his side is ready to play fire with fire against Chattogram Challengers despite no big names in the team.