'Does money grow on trees?'

In a rather celebratory ambience in the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis's headquarters at the Bangabandhu Stadium yesterday, nine players out of the 23-member national pool confirmed their teams for the Dhaka Premier League that begins in October.
The players' transfers, in a way, marked the start of this year's eagerly anticipated domestic cricket season in Bangladesh.
Of the nine cricketers, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was the only player not to change his club. Like last year, Mashrafe will captain Mohammedan Sporting Club. The club also signed batsmen Mithun Ali and Naeem Islam.
Having finished fourth last year, Mashrafe is confident that his side will be able to put up a better display this time around.
"The player-transfer system last time did not allow officials or players to choose at will. It's different this time and this year the team is much better as well," said Mashrafe.
As per new rules of the competition, each club is bound to purchase one pacer from the pool. Pacers are also likely to receive seaming wickets during the league in a bid to help the players prepare for the World Cup and these were the changes Mashrafe welcomed.
"It's great that pacers are getting chances. It's a department that needs to improve and it's a step in that direction. It'll put pressure on the pacers to perform," he said.
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim shifted to Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club from Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in a deal which the player claimed was the most lucrative in his career.
However, Mushfiqur shot down claims made by a section of the media which suggested that the player had received an amount around Tk 50 lakh.
"I won't tell you how much I am being paid. It's personal. However, the media has definitely posted a bloated amount," said Mushfiqur.
He even posed a rhetorical question to the media, "Is it that easy to pay Tk 50 lakh to someone? Does money grow on trees?"
Doleshwar surprised many last year by finishing third in the competition. They rode on the likes of Mominul Haque and a number of other foreign players. This year Mushfiqur hopes to take them all the way.
"This is a young team and I like to play with young players. They contacted me long ago, so it shows that they are very serious. The officials here are good as well," said Mushfiqur when asked regarding his decision to change clubs.
Apart from the captain they have also signed pacer Shafiul Islam.
Young Taskin Ahmed was signed up by Prime Bank Cricket Club. They have also signed Mahmudullah Riyad who played for champions Gazi Tank Cricketers last year and bagged all-rounder Forhad Reza.
Meanwhile Nasir Hossain made a last minute shift to sign for Abahani yesterday.