Sylhet returns to BPL

Sylhet's re-entry into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was set in stone yesterday as the new franchise Sylhet Sixers was officially launched in the afternoon with hard-hitting national batsman Sabbir Rahman as their icon player.

Sylhet previously participated in the BPL under the name Sylhet Royals, until they were suspended from the last season. 

As a new franchise, the Sylhet Sixers were given the opportunity by the BPL governing council to directly recruit three players and they exercised that option by roping in all-rounder Nasir Hossain, wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.

Former national batsman Faruque Ahmed has been named the team director and Zahid Ehsan will be the head coach while former national pacer Hasibul Hossain has been chosen as the team manager.

"We will be a very competitive team and we have already got T20 specialists before the final draft. We are hopeful of a long run in BPL season," Faruque said.

"We are a good and competitive team and will fight well in BPL with the blessings of our supporters," said icon player Sabbir.

Player Nasir, former diplomat of Bangladesh at UN Abdul Momen, Sylhet City Corporation mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhuy and Bangladesh Cricket Board director Shafiul Alam were also present at the launching ceremony.