Mashrafe Mortaza set to make a return to NCL after a span of 3 years

Bangladesh’s inspirational leader Mashrafe Mortaza will make a return to the country’s premier domestic competition NCL, after a span of three years. Mortaza will play for Khulna Division in the 19th edition of NCL. Mortaza has struggled with his fitness earlier, after he went under the knife on a few occasions. Persistent injuries had made it impossible for the pacer to continue in the longest format of the game.

Mortaza last played a Test match in the year 2009. Since then, he has been in and out of the national side due to injuries. But his career in the limited over format has been as good as anyone. In 179 ODIs, the pacer has scalped 232 wickets. He also has 42 wickets for 54 T20Is.

After Mortaza’s wish, he was picked in the side informed by Khulna team management. After hearing the news Khulna’s coach Monowar Ali Monu said: “Mashrafe is Mashrafe. Our all eyes will be on him because he is coming after 3 years. His presence in dressing room means an extra motivation.

The Bangladesh limited overs skipper has always motivated his players, and has set an example by leading them to the Champions Trophy semi-final earlier this year, apart from other histoirc wins in the limited overs format over the last couple of years.

Always a motivator

Before the Australia series, Mortaza sounded very confident of the boys and backed them to do well. “I expect our four senior players to put a price on their wicket,” Mashrafe told ESPNcricinfo. “They must put up a statement in the middle that the young players can follow. Tamim is in the best form of his career. He and Imrul can provide a good start. We have Shakib and [Mehidy Hasan] in our spin department. If one of the fast bowlers have a good spell of three or four wickets, there will be a possibility for us. These will be expected when the situation arises in the match.” he said.

“More important than winning or losing is their mentality. I am witnessing in the dressing room that their mindset is setting them apart from previous teams, and they are in the making of bigger things in the next two years.” He added.

“It is encouraging enough to think that they will fight, which is a better expectation than only hoping for a result. This has also been their best preparation ahead of any Test series,” Mortaza said.