Ctg aim to make winning start to BBPL despite Mahmudullah’s absence

Chattogram Challengers want to make a winning start to Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) as they take on Sylhet Thunder in the first game of the tournament today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mipur.
The match starts at 1.30 pm.
Despite the absence of their regular captain and experienced batsman Mahmudullah Riyad, Chattogram oozed with confidence to materialize the dream, vastly due to the well mix of foreign and local players. “It’s difficult to make a combination without Mahmudullah Riyad,” Imrul Kayes, the stand in captain of the Chattogram, said here on Tuesday.
“We will miss his service in the first two match. 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 well 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 specially 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.”