Shoriful keen to use LPL experience in Asia Cup

Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam believes his

stint with the Lankan Premier League (LPL) will be beneficial for him for the
upcoming Asia Cup, a tournament that is seen as the preparation platform for
the ICC Cricket World Cup.

The LPL, a domestic T20 tournament of Sri Lanka which is also the joint-host
of Asia Cup, is the first ever franchise league for the left-arm pacer
Shoriful.

“The first of anything is exciting for everyone. I am no exception. I am
really excited to play my first ever franchise league and no doubt I want to
make it memorable one for me,” Shoriful, an integral part of Bangladesh’s
pace bowling unit, said here before boarding the flight today.

The young pacer who was the vital cog of Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup
winning campaign will be playing for Colombo Strikers in the LPL.

“We’ll play a match of Asia Cup in Kandy, so I hope the stint with Sri Lankan
league will benefit me. I will get a clear picture of Sri Lankan condition
and wicket,” he added.

Shoriful, who always looks aggressive in the ground but a down to the earth
guy in his personal life, said he would try to give his best if he gets the
chance to play matches in the LPL.

“Whenever the opportunity comes, I will try to my best. Most of the
cricketers play franchise league to enhance their experience. There is an
opportunity to share the dressing room with many great cricketers. I will
also try to share the thoughts and try to learn from the great cricketers
there,” Shoriful remarked.

Shoriful’s Under-19 teammate Towhid Hridoy had already left the country to
play the LPL. Hridoy will be playing for defending Champions Jaffna Kings.
Test and T20 skipper Shakib Al Hasan and national discard Mohammad Mithun are
the two other players from Bangladesh who would play the LPL. Both are the
part of Galle Titans.

Pace bowler Taskin Ahmed was approached by LPL franchise Dambulla Aura but
considering his workload ahead of two major tournaments, the Bangladesh
Cricket Board (BCB) didn’t give him the clearance. (BSS)