Mushfiqur in Sylhet squad, Saim returns after two years

Ahead of the upcoming NCL T20 tournament, Sylhet Division has announced their 15-member squad. Left-handed opener Mizanur Rahman Saim has returned to the side after nearly two years, while experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has also been included.

Mushfiqur began his first-class career in the National Cricket League (NCL) with Sylhet Division. Earlier, he had sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), expressing his wish to play for Sylhet again. In response, the board appears to have made a special consideration by including him in the squad. Now in the twilight of his career, Mushfiqur seems intent on finishing his journey where it all began—with Sylhet.

Saim is set to open the innings alongside Zakir Hasan. Although he had been with the Sylhet squad since the 2019–20 NCL season, he made his first-class debut only in 2023. That debut season didn’t go well for him, as he scored just 78 runs in five innings across three matches. As a result, he was dropped from the following NCL campaign. To rebuild his career, he turned to the Dhaka First Division Cricket League, where he shone with the bat for Surjo Torun Club. In 9 innings, he scored 456 runs at an average above 50 and a strike rate of over 125, including 28 sixes and 41 fours. His standout innings was a 113 off 86 balls against Amber Sporting Club. He also registered four fifties during the campaign—performances that proved valuable for a Sylhet side that often struggles to field strong local batting options in T20s.

Alongside Saim, two other Sylhet youngsters—Mazharul Islam Majed and Wasif Akbar—impressed in the Dhaka First Division League but have been named only in the standby list. Playing for Sheikh Jamal Cricket Club, Majed scored 494 runs in 16 innings at an average over 30, including a brilliant 131 off 85 balls against Bangladesh Police Cricket Club. He struck 26 sixes and 55 fours at a strike rate of nearly 125. Wasif, his opening partner, added 451 runs in 15 innings at an average of nearly 35, including one century and two fifties, though his strike rate remained below 95.

Sahanur Rahman, however, has earned a place in the main squad after missing out last year due to late communication. Representing Dhaka Leopards this season, he contributed with both bat and ball—scoring 252 runs in 14 innings and picking up 28 wickets in 16 innings, with best figures of 5 for 16. His consistency established him as one of the standout spinners of the tournament.

In Sylhet’s batting lineup, Zakir and Saim will open, followed by Mushfiqur Rahim in the middle order alongside allrounder Rahatul Ferdous Javed, Amit Hasan, Asadullah Al Galib, wicketkeeper-batter Tawhidul Islam Ferdous, and Mubin Ahmed Dishan.

Sylhet has traditionally been known for producing quality pace bowlers, even when their batting strength lagged behind other divisions. This season, their pace attack will be spearheaded by national pacer Ebadot Hossain, returning from injury. He will be joined by Syed Khaled Ahmed and Rejaur Rahman Raja—both ready to unleash their pace once again.

The spin department will be led by experienced left-arm spinner Nabil Samad, supported by Sahanur Rahman and allrounder Javed.

Alongside Majed and Wasif, the standby list includes Toufiq Khan Tushar, Ashraful Hasan Rihad, and Mohiuddin Tarek. Meanwhile, national team players Nasum Ahmed, Zakir Ali Anik, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib are on the waiting list as they are currently away with the national side for the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Although Sylhet won the first-class NCL title last season, they have yet to rediscover their rhythm in the T20 format. Even at home, they lost their opening match despite posting over 200 runs. Determined to correct those mistakes, Sylhet Division will take the field this year with renewed confidence.