Day Two Abahani's
Defending champion Abahani's appearance was the highlight of the second day of the three-day inter-club players' transfer for the Premier and First Division Cricket Leagues at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
The excitement however was not as much as it was in the eventful first day although a small group of supporters of the Dhanmondi-based club enthused as much as they could by chanting slogans.
Victoria Sporting Club pulled off the biggest surprise by roping in two national players at the last moment after BKSP became the day's first entrants confirming two players of national colours.
However, it was Abahani who hogged the spotlight despite losing their biggest star and chief architect of last season's success in Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.
National all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan along with wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim signed for BSKP while paceman Shahadat Hossain and left-arm spinner Enamul Haque made late appearances in the day to sign for Victoria.
But the spotlight was on Shahriar Nafees as the left-handed national opener became the sole star traded by Abahani, as their only other notable contribution was confirming the services of successful domestic campaigner Tushar Imran for another season.
Abahani's third national pool quota has been hanging on balance and they were looking forward to filling it by including ace left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique -- apparently the only player from the 21-member pool list who has yet to confirm any team.
After losing the battle against their archrivals Mohammedan over the inclusion of inform left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak, Abahani officials however seemed confident of ensuring the services of Rafique as they believe that there is hardly any scope left for the veteran rather than accepting their offer.
Besides Nafees, Abahani signed in eight other players on the day including national paceman Nazmul Hossain, Nadif Chowdhury along with wicketkeeper Sahagir Hossain and left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny, both of whom played for Mohammedan last season.
"I think we have a number of good players in the team and I am looking forward for a good season with this popular club," said Nafees expressing his optimism about his side's chances of retaining the title.
For the first time in his career Nafees, who had stint with the City Club for the last couple of years, is going to play the most coveted domestic competition with a popular club but the youngster was not worried about the pressure.
"I think the pressure is much higher in national team rather than any competitions. So I don't think it would be an extra pressure for me. I have decided to change the tent not only because of money but because I want to play with a good team," he said.
"I want to take the opportunity with both hands to get back my rhythm in my batting like what I had in the first year with the national side," he added.
National all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan could be one of the hottest properties in this seasons for his consistent performance with the national team but the young man has preferred to concentrate on his education rather than play domestic cricket.
"Right at the moment my main objective is to overcome the hurdle of HSC examination which is why I have decided to sign in for my institution (BKSP). It was really impossible for me to take the pressure in this season," said Shakib.
The familiar environment in BKSP however forced wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim to play for the sports institution although many believe it is the proper time for the young stumper to play domestic cricket under pressure.
A total of 39 players appeared in the second day for signing with Premier Division clubs while 84 players took part in the First Division bourse.
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