‘The quality of our cricket has improved’

Naeem Islam is one of the few national discards who is still making an impact in the domestic circuit with consistent performances. The vastly experienced 36-year-old, who has seen the highs and lows of the Dhaka Premier League during his career spanning over 19 years, shared his experience of playing in the prestigious 50-over competition and provided his thoughts on different topics regarding the league during an interview with The Daily Star's Mazhar Uddin. The excerpts from the interview are given below: 

The Daily Star (DS): When did you make your Dhaka Premier League debut?

Naeem Islam (NI): The first time I featured in the Dhaka Premier League was back in the 2003-2004 season for the BCB Development squad.

DS: What are the changes you witnessed over the years since you made your DPL debut?

NI: Back then, Bangladesh had just started playing international cricket. People say the Dhaka league was more exciting in the past but the fact is, back then, we were not exposed to so much international cricket at home. Nowadays, the people of Bangladesh go to the stadiums and catch international cricket matches live, witnessing the likes of Virat Kohli and other great players playing in front of their eyes in Mirpur. I think the [quality of the] DPL is still the same but maybe the spectators have decreased because of the busy international schedule these days.

DS: As a player, do you think the intensity and competitiveness of the DPL are still the same?

NI: The pressure is still the same but previously a score of 200-220 was considered a good enough total. Nowadays, however, we see totals of over 300 being posted frequently. So, the pitch has improved a lot compared to the past. Previously, some unknown players from Pakistan used to come and score runs in bulk but things are now different as we see only players with good quality perform in the league. I must say, the quality of our cricket has improved.

DS: Do you think that the DPL is still the main source of income for the majority of the players in Bangladesh?

NI: Definitely. Even though we have the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and other tournaments, still around 80 per cent of the local cricketers consider the Dhaka League as their primary source of income. If you compare the payment structure, it has improved. However, it can still be made better. Another fact is that we did not have the league for two years during Covid. A cricketer's career span is limited, so it impacts us when there is no DPL. The league had incorporated the player-by-choice system for a few years which also hurt us. But it is not there anymore and we are happy about it.

DS:  Do you think DPL is still the main platform for a cricketer to make an impact or to stage a comeback in the national team?

NI: Yes, definitely. The Dhaka League is the biggest and the most prestigious club tournament in the country. So, if you perform well in a season, it helps you to gain confidence as a player and the selectors do take note of the performers here. It is important to remain consistent as a player which is not easy in the DPL since it's high-pressure cricket. 

DS: As you have played all around the world, do you feel the club structure in our country requires a massive change?

NI: I had the opportunity to play in England for a small club in Liverpool. I was amazed to see their own ground, gym, indoor and other facilities. This is not even a county club, but the facilities they have is still something we lack in club cricket in our country. But now we have a few clubs like Bashundhara, who are providing good facilities, and I am sure if other clubs follow them then the cricketing infrastructure of our country will change drastically.