'NOC limitations not a big deal'

ODI skipper and Bangladesh cricket's senior statesman Mashrafe Bin Mortaza seemed unperturbed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB's) new policy to grant contracted players a maximum of two No Objection Certificates (NOCs) per year to play in foreign leagues, saying that the restriction was not a big deal as not many Bangladesh players play in more than two foreign competitions anyway.

"First of all, for the players playing for Bangladesh it is their dream to represent the country," Mashrafe told media while attending an anti-narcotics programme at the city's Prottoy Medical Hospital. "I don't think there is a big issue regarding this. Also, how many players play in foreign leagues? Shakib [Al Hasan] and Mustafizur [Rahman] play in the IPL [Indian Premier League]. Apart from the IPL, Shakib perhaps plays in one more league."

Shakib may be the only one among the current crop who will be adversely affected by this new policy as, contrary to what Mashrafe said, he has three regular ports of call in foreign leagues every year -- the IPL, the Caribbean Premier League and the Pakistan Super League. Mashrafe seemed to slightly revise his stance of the limitation not being a big deal when reminded that it was only Bangladesh players who have been thus restricted.

"At this point all the cricketers are involved with their respective [Bangladesh Premier League] franchises, so I have not been able to talk to them," said Mashrafe when asked if the other players were dissatisfied about the development. "There is a chance to discuss this; maybe the players will understand more about it when they talk to the BCB. I had heard some time ago that this rule would be adopted internationally, but since it is only being applied to us, there is room for discussion on the matter."

'FIVE-FOREIGNER RULE REDUCES OUR CHANCES'

Bangladesh are hosting a T20 franchise of their own as the BPL has the country's cricket fans glued to their television sets. Unlike previous years however, the local batsmen have been relegated to the background as the foreign players have held sway so far. While three of the top five run-scorers were Bangladeshi in the 2016 edition, none have made it to the top five so far this year and there has only been one fifty -- by Mominul Haque -- from a Bangladeshi batsman so far.

Mashrafe attributed the lack of runs from the locals to the decision to go back to the five-foreigners-per-team rule that was decreased to four after the first season and stuck with over the last three editions.

"In most teams the foreign players are batting in the top order," said the Rangpur Riders skipper. "There are many who are not getting the opportunity to bat. When they do get the chance they don't get the opportunity to build their innings; they have to start playing shots from the word go. These things matter a lot.

"On the other hand, if you see the innings [Dhaka Dynamites batsman] Jahurul [Islam] played [against Khulna Titans on Tuesday], he was the hero in the end. Zia [ur Rahman] has also played some good innings and Abu Jayed has bowled well. The five foreigners-per-side rule has reduced opportunities for the local players because every team wants to use their overseas players."