A spark of pace promise
There is a relative lack of star power in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL), for which the tournament is yet to create the buzz seen in previous editions, but the emergence of a few young local fast bowlers has been a breath of fresh air for Bangladesh cricket.
The likes of Mehedi Hasan Rana, Hasan Mahmud and Mukidul Islam are the fresh faces in the BBPL who have caught the eyes of many because of their potential and pace at a relatively young age.
Left-arm seamer Mehedi is leading the wicket-takers charts so far in the tournament for Chattogram Challengers, with eight wickets in three games at an economy rate of 6.58. The 22-year-old has been come up through the age-level system and has had an impressive start to the tournament, showing his ability in the death overs particularly.
Another young pacer, Mukidul, made his T20 debut on Wednesday for Rangpur Rangers and the right-arm seamer ended with the figures of one for 26 from four overs against Cumilla Warriors. More importantly, Mukidul, who has a smooth and long run-up, also generated pace and bowled consistently in the 135kmph range.
Dhaka Platoon's 20-year-old right-arm pacer Hasan has so far had a mixed bag in the BBPL. He had a tough day in the last game against Chattogram Challengers as he was smashed for 55 runs from his four overs while picking up two wickets in a game that saw over 400 runs scored.
According to the Bangladesh's successful fast bowler, Bangladesh ODI skipper Masharfe Bin Mortaza, it is important for these upcoming young pacers to get the proper guidance. He also thought Bangladesh;s future in the pace department was bright.
"I think the challenges the wickets in the BPL so far have offered will come of use for bowlers in international cricket. In the World T20, which will take place in Australia, it will be difficult if you don't have enough options in bowling as the wickets there will be flat. So, the more we can increase options, the greater the chance of our bowlers doing well there.
"Talking about pace bowlers, I think it's their grooming period. I have seen a new bowler, Mugdho (Mukidul), and a few others who have very good potential, bowling at 135 kmph. I think it's their grooming time now and it will important to have good plans for them, but it's not that they will be picked to the national team now and then prepare.
"Not just in T20s, why not in Tests as well and think on a larger scale rather than just picking them in the national team right away and dropping them if they are not able to play well in two-three matches. If these young players are kept under proper guidance, I think they will be able to give long-term service," Mashrafe told the media on Wednesday when asked about his assessment of the young pacers.
It is still early days for these youngsters, but it will be important for them to improve their skills before being tested in the top flight.