Former Sri Lankan tremendous and a current coach of the Khulna Titans in the Bangladesh Premier League, Mahela Jayawardene on Saturday urged the Bangladesh local cricketers to raise their game and force their way back into the playing XI of their franchise in the ongoing BPL. The BPL Governing Council has made new rules from this edition which permits as many as five foreign players to be part of the playing XI which in turn in reducing the opportunities of local stars to be part of the Playing XI.
Jayawardene feels that instead of making an issue out of this, the local cricketers should keep raising their bar and make sure that they make it to the playing XI on the sole basis of merit. He also added that it doesn’t matter how many foreign players are allowed to feature in the Playing XI.
“I think combination wise, it gives you more strength. It is a good challenge for local players to prove themselves in the team. Only the best can play. Bangladesh national team only wants 11 players, not 30 players,” Jayawardene told reporters following Titan’s
Practise session. He also added that he is enjoying his time in the BPL as he feels that the tournament is raising its bar as far as franchise based tournaments are concerned.
The first phase of the tournament was played in Sylhet, and now the tournament will head to Dhaka from November 11. The 3rd phase of the tournament will be played in Chittagong from November 24 before coming back to Dhaka for the final phase of the tournament.
“I have really enjoyed Sylhet. It was a very good venue. We had great support. The boys really enjoyed it. I think it was a good start for the new season of BPL and hopefully, the same excitement will be in Dhaka as well,” said Jayawardene.
“There were high scoring matches and some close games in Sylhet. I think from last year to this year, the quality of the overseas players have improved as well. It is always going to be tough competition.”
Jayawardene conceded the fact that he is relishing his new role as a coach as the challenges are different.
“The challenges are different as a player and a coach. I have managed to enjoy my stint as a player. I am doing the same things as a coach. I am relaxed and see if I can help the younger guys along the way,” concluded Jayawardene.