Published on 12:04 PM, July 18, 2017

BPL icons set to change teams

Mushfiqur Rahim. File Photo: BCB

Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim is moving to a new franchise after his recent problems with Barisal Bulls owner.

Mushfiqur will feature for BPL team Rajshahi Kings in the next edition of the tournament, local media reports.

Sabbir Rahman, who was the Rajshahi’s icon in the last edition will be seeking out a new franchise as well.

Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and opening batsman Tamim Iqbal are also set to change teams for the BPL upcoming season. Tamim will play for Kumilla Victorians while Mashrafe looks set for Rangpur Riders.

Mashrafe, Tamim and Mushfiq have already completed talks with their new franchise.

In the fifth edition of the BPL Shylet franchise are making a comeback. This means there will be one more icon player added to the roaster.

BPL governing council member secretary IH Mallick said that those who have made the mark with the national team will considered. He further added: “In light of his performances, Mustafizur Rahim will be the latest icon.”

Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad are staying with Dhaka Dynamites and Khulna Titans respectively.

Two icons of the last edition Soumya Sarkar and Sabbir Rahman have not finalized on any teams yet.

Imrul Kayes is being considered for the role of icon player by the BPL council. However, his team Kumilla Victorians have objected to the idea. Kumilla wants to retain Liton Das, Saifuddin and Imrul - as per the rule of holding onto four cricketers from past. If Imrul becomes an icon player that equation is likely to change.

The governing council have not decided the salaries of the icon players – the players will agree to the salaries on the basis of their individual contracts with their respective franchises.