What’s the story?
Eager to maximize game time, IPL discards Unmukt Chand and Parvez Rasool are playing in the Dhaka Premier League. The former U-19 World Cup winning captain is turning out for Prime Bank Cricket Club which also includes Bangladesh national players such as Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar and Rubel Hossain. On the other hand, the off-spinner represents Gazi Group Cricketers.
“It was a decision made purely on cricket perspective. I am a player and want to play at highest level wherever I get the opportunity. Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League is top 50-over cricket event of Bangladesh. I have already got NOC (No Objection Certificate) from BCCI and currently, I am on way to Dhaka,” Parvez told Greater Kashmir from New Delhi Airport.
He added, “It is a high-profile event that attracts some of the known players from around the world. Since 2015, BCCI has also allowed its players to take part in it as it is List A. BCCI doesn’t allow its players to take part in T20 events. Apart from overseas players, there will be a number of Bangladeshi top cricketers so the competition level would be high.”
The Background
Having set their respective base price at INR 30 Lakhs, both Chand and Rasool went unsold in the auction conducted prior to the 2017 season. Even though the latter was subsequently called up for trials by Rising Pune Supergiant, who were searching for Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement, he was not able to land a contract.
The heart of the matter
In the past, the tournament has attracted plenty of foreign players such as Ravi Bopara, Sean Williams, Chamara Kapugedara, Dinesh Karthik, Yusuf Pathan, Manoj Tiwary, Pawan Negi and Gurkeerat Singh Mann.
Extra Cover: This is rock bottom, but there is only way in which my career would progress, says Unmukt Chand
Although BCCI have remained guarded against providing NOCs to Indian players for overseas T20 leagues, they are not hesitant to do the same for 50-over competitions. As a result, Chand and Rasool have signed up for the Dhaka Premier League. The former celebrated Prime Bank Cricket Club’s first victory of the season on his official Twitter account.
What’s next?
The 2017 edition of the Dhaka Premier League began on April 12. Including Chand and Rasool, there are five Indian players in the List A tournament. However, a few more could sign up for the event in the coming days.
Author’s Take
After being shunned by the IPL franchises, the duo did not sulk and instead immediately looked for opportunities elsewhere. After all, it becomes imperative for a cricketer to continue to stay on the field irrespective of the format or the tournament.
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