BPL to give much exposure to local cricketers: Jones

Admin Thu Feb 09, 2012 5:11 am

Dean Jones, the technical director of Chittagong Kings believed the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) would give the Bangladeshi players much exposure and help them to deal with pressure. “I think it will give them more exposure, more awareness, it will put them under more pressure, under lights, in front of big crowds,” Dean Jones said while inquired whether BPL would affect the Bangladeshi players like the IPL did on Indian players.

We’re about to find out how good they are now. And sometimes you’ll get hurt and get beaten. And then you got to work on your strengths and weakness to comeback. I think it couldn’t come at a better time really for Bangladesh people and the players. They needed this, I think they wanted this. They need to get out of their comfort zone and now they are going to find out how good they are.”

He also thought that the BPL would bring players’ best as they will face off players like Muttiah Muralidarana and some renowned star players.

“The great thing about this tournament is that the players can rub shoulders with Murali, Tamim and Dwayne Bravo...unfortunately Malik is not here. But getting to see how good they are against other players that are really important. I think it will really bring the best out of some players. Some players will fail but some players will do very very well,” he added.

Chittagong Kings lost their two players - Shoaib Malik and Lendl Simmons as they are committed to their national team. Jones however thought every team got this sort of problem and they would have to negotiate those within the short span of time.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Gladiators got their sponsor on Wednesday. The platinum sponsorship deal was sold to BBS Cables for Tk.11.25 crores, while Oriental Group bought the co-sponsorship deal for Tk. 1.5 crores.

Television channel Independent TV signed as the media partner, ABC Radio as the FM partner, clothing manufacturers Anjans as the wardrobe partner and JAAGO Foundation as charity partner.

On the other hand, Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzak and West Indies middle order batsman Marlon Samuels arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to join Duronto Rajshahi. Rajshahi which will take on Chittagong Kings on the opening day will start their practice from Thursday.