Mashrafe Mortaza named Dhaka Platoon captain for BPL 2019-20

Bangladesh superstar Mashrafe Mortaza might not have played much international or competitive cricket since Bangladesh’s ouster from the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. But one of the best players produced by the Asian cricketing country is certainly still in demand when it comes to shorter formats of the game, especially the Bangladesh Premier League.

He is currently recovering from a back injury that hampered his performances in the ICC event and also struggled with a groin injury. He didn’t play the subsequent series against Sri Lanka and was not a popular choice in the draft of the upcoming BPL 2019-20 season. However, he has managed to find a new team this time, after captaining three sides in BPL, Dhaka Gladiators in 2012 and 2013, Comilla Victorians in 2015, and Rangpur Riders in 2017 and led each of them to the title at least once.

Dhaka Platoon pick Mashrafe Mortaza as their second A-plus category pick

The Platoon team picked Mortaza as their second A-plus category pick in the draft, having opted for Tamim Iqbal earlier. The coach of the side, Mohammad Salahuddin showed confidence in Mortaza’s recovery, as they want him ready for the start of the tournament which begins on December 11. Platoon will take on Rajshahi Royals in their first match of the season in Mirpur on December 12.

“I think he can play the whole tournament. I hope that he will perform. Today he bowled for the first time since his injury. There is a problem in his rhythm but I think that if he bowls for a few days then it will be sorted out. The main advantage for us is his experience. We can never deny that. When he will play, he will give 100 per cent effort,” Salahuddin was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.com.

Mortaza has a stellar record for Bangladesh having picked 266 wickets in 217 ODIs and 138 wickets in 150 T20 matches with the best of 4/11. His captaincy skills have been lauded by the best of the best in the business and though he plays a single format at the moment in international cricket; the legend had already carved his name in annals of cricket history. Meanwhile, the Platoon coach mentioned the talk he had with Mortaza, who he feels wants to regain to playing fitness.

“He has talked to the physio when he started bowling. He didn’t feel any pain when he was bowling. It also looked normal to me. I think Mashrafe is more motivated than me. He has been doing practice individually for the last few days to regain fitness. He has reduced his weight. He has been trying to be fit. I think he is more motivated to do well for himself and the team.”