‘Lost for words’, Zakir acknowledges support from seniors

Sylhet Strikers batter Zakir Hasan has been among the few local cricketers who have managed to make a mark in the ongoing ninth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The 24-year-old burst into the scene recently with a magnificent hundred on his Test debut against India at home. The left-hander went on to strike a fifty in the next Test, and according to Zakir that gave him the confidence as a player moving forward.

Zakir Hasan celebrates his ton against India. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"Overall the confidence was already there but the self-belief grew once I went through that phase [of facing the Indian bowlers during the two Tests.]," Zakir told the reporters during the training session at the outer nets of the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today.

Led by skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Sylhet had a flying start winning their first four consecutive games. Zakir informed he was given freedom by the inspirational captain, and it helped to express himself. He also added Shakib Al Hasan also supported him during his international debut where the Bangladesh Test captain urged Zakir to play like how he bat at first class competitions. 

The wicket-keeper batter was in praise of another experienced cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim who has given the opportunity to Zakir to bat at number four ahead of him in Sylhet.

"It's a huge honour that Mushfiqur Rahim bhai left his batting position to allow me bat at number four. I am lost for words, to be honest. He did the same previously when I played for Rajshahi. He is always flexible and allowed me and Towhid Hridoy to play freely," he said. 

Sylhet will be up against Dhaka Dominators in their fifth game of the BPL on January 16 in Chattogram.