Ashraful sees bright future for Jishan, Akbar after BCL heroics

Bangladesh’s batting coach Mohammad Ashraful has expressed his optimism that the recent performances of young cricketers like Jishan Alam and Akbar Ali will prompt selectors to consider them for the national team. Ashraful made the comments just after Jishan guided Central Zone to a thrilling two-wicket victory over North Zone in a crucial match of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day tournament.

Jishan smashed 127 off 93 balls, his maiden List A century, as Central Zone chased down North Zone’s imposing 322-7, reaching 325-8 with four balls to spare. In the same tournament, Akbar Ali, the Under-19 World Cup-winning captain, also struck a century to continue his impressive run of form. Speaking to the media, Ashraful emphasized the importance of consistency for national selection. “It is very important for everyone to be in form. Jishan scored his first List A century. He deserved it, specially with the kind of form he has been. So congratulations to him,” Ashraful said.

“Akbar also batted exceptionally well. He made a century in the first match and he has been consistent of late. If he continues to perform consistently like this, the selectors will definitely consider him.” The former Bangladesh captain added that players featuring in the BCL will have opportunities to break into the national side, especially with a packed international schedule over the next two years.

“All 60 players playing in this BCL have a chance. We have a lot of Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is scheduled in the next two years. We may need to rotate many players during this period. I hope they will get the chance,” he remarked. Ashraful also expressed confidence in Najmul Hossain Shanto, who has struggled with inconsistency recently. “Shanto knows how to play. He is in good rhythm — we saw that in the BPL as well,” Ashraful said. “He scored a brilliant hundred in the first match. I hope we will see another outstanding innings from him in the final.”