Shoriful ‘excited’ for his maiden franchise-league experience abroad

Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam departed for Sri Lanka on Saturday to take part in his maiden franchise-league experience outside the country.

The left-arm quick was roped in by Colombo Strikers for the upcoming fourth installment of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), a 20-over tournament, running from July 30 to August 20.

"The first time in any league is exciting for everyone. I'm also a little bit excited," Shoriful told reporters at the airport today.  

The lanky pacer -- set to compete against compatriots Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy and Mohammad Mithun in LPL – is looking to make the most out of the LPL experience since Sri Lanka will co-host the upcoming Asia Cup, beginning from August 31.

"Definitely [LPL experience] will help, because getting used to the wickets and the conditions might give a better idea [for the Asia Cup]," said the 22-year-old, who so far scalped 34 in 31 T20Is.

"Whenever I get a chance, I will try to give my best. Most cricketers go to franchise leagues to get experience, and I will try to do the same.

For inspiration in abundance, Shoriful can look up to fellow quick Taskin Ahmed who is already the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Zim-Afro T10 in Zimbabwe.

"Everybody likes it when a cricketer from his country goes to a foreign league and plays well."

Taskin, however, was earlier denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for LPL by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) due to workload management concerns.