The charm and excitement surrounding the Dhaka Premier League players' transfer diminished greatly since the introduction of the player draft system and this year's draft was no different.
The traditional entry of club officials and cricketers on horse carts and such was not seen, nor were any bands performing at the highly hyped players' transfer, which took place at a city hotel yesterday, but instead it adorned a corporate or franchise based look.
The tournament might bear a posh outlook however, in terms of the players' reimbursement, the standard has fallen drastically compared to previous editions where cricketers were categorised by player specific payments, set by the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis, rather than have the players choose their own clubs and remunerations.
Tigers ODI skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was selected by Shinepukur, one of the two teams that were promoted to the Premier League and the lucky winners of the lottery among 12 clubs.
The tale might see another twist as there is a clause that allows clubs to exchange players on a mutual understanding ahead of the league. And it was learnt that Abahani Limited has shown interest on Mashrafe and Khelaghar's Anamul Haque. We might see a few more exchanges apart from these two though, leaving players' guessing about where they might ultimately play before the league begins.
However national players will not be available for the league's first phase, which is scheduled to begin on February 5, until February 18 due to the Tigers home series against Sri Lanka, a fact that team officials kept in mind during the draft yesterday.
Despite getting the second call of the first round Kalabagan Krira Chakra opted for Taibur Parvez, listed as a grade-B plus player, instead of any icon player. On the other hand, Kalabagan picked up Tamim Iqbal in the second round after none of the clubs showed interest in the dashing left-hander. It was also learnt that Kalabagan might exchange Tamim and that the side retained Mohammad Ashraful, Tasamul Haque, Muktar Ali, Nail Samad and Abul Hasan.
Legends of Rupganj reined in Mushfiqur Rahim with the third call of the first round while Mohammedan Sporting Club roped in Tigers Test and T20 skipper Shakib Al Hasan with the fifth call of the lottery.
Mahmudullah Riyad and Rubel Hossain were picked up by Prime Bank Cricket Club and defending champions Gazi Group Cricketers selected Imrul Kayes while Mustafizur Rahman and Liton Das will feature for Prime Doleshwar.
Giants Abahani Limited went for two icon players in the form of Nasir Hossain and Mehedi Hasan Miraz and also picked up fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who was dropped from the tri-series.
Wicket-keeper batsman Anamul Haque was the only icon player selected by Khelaghar SKS while Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and the other new comers, Agrani Bank, did not pick any icon player from the draft. Left-hander Soumya Sarkar was the biggest signing for Khelaghar.
