On February 16, 2023, Comilla Victorians successfully retained their BPL championship by overcoming Sylhet Strikers, and this combined XI prominently includes players from both squads. Here are some of the players that stand out on the list:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Sylhet Strikers)
Runs 516, Average 39.69, Strike rate 116.74
In a turnaround season, Shanto emerged as a force to reckon with. By accumulating 516 runs, he etched his name as the first Bangladeshi to surpass 500 runs in a BPL season. His unbeaten 89 and consistent batting display made him the tournament’s leading run-scorer. Notably, his half-century in the final was pivotal. Shanto’s newfound stability bodes well for his international aspirations.
Khushdil Shah (Comilla Victorians)
Runs 239, Average 47.80, Strike rate 161.48
Khushdil Shah made his mark as a power-hitting middle-order asset. Despite a slow start on Dhaka pitches, he turned things around for Comilla Victorians. His strike rate of 161.48 underscored his aggressive style, complemented by effective left-arm spin bowling. Khushdil’s ability to rescue his team from early setbacks was a highlight, and his dependable fielding added to his all-round value.
Rony Talukdar (Rangpur Riders)
Runs 425, Average 35.41, Strike rate 129.17
Rony Talukdar, representing Rangpur Riders, showcased his prowess in the BPL with a standout season. Surpassing his previous record of 317 runs at a strike rate of 140.26 in 2018-19, Talukdar excelled this time. He specialized in quick starts for his team, notably averaging 61.50 during the Powerplay, even though he faced four dismissals within the first six overs. His strong presence among the leading run-scorers of the tournament positions him in direct competition with players like Mohammad Naim, Munim Shahriar, and Anamul Haque, all vying for opportunities in the T20I squad.
Tanvir Islam (Comilla Victorians)
Wickets 17, Average 17.58, Economy rate 6.36
Standing out as a left-arm spinner in Bangladesh is no mean feat, but Tanvir Islam achieved just that. His accuracy and adaptability across all phases of the game were instrumental for the Victorians. Tanvir’s unique action, which lends dip to his deliveries, and his distinctive celebrations make him a standout prospect. A dependable bowler across T20 formats, Tanvir’s utility is undeniable.
Shakib Al Hasan (Fortune Barishal)
Wickets 10, Economy rate 6.31, Runs: 375, Strike rate: 174.41
A BPL mainstay, Shakib earned his place in the ESPNcricinfo BPL XI for a record seventh time. He led Fortune Barishal with finesse, especially in the initial stages when the team was on a roll. Although he faced a setback by batting lower down in the Eliminator, Shakib excelled with the ball, consistently taking wickets and maintaining an impressive economy rate.
Taskin Ahmed (Dhaka Dominators)
Wickets 10, Average 20.60, Economy rate 6.02
Taskin Ahmed shone as one of Bangladesh’s premier fast bowlers across formats. In the challenging context of a struggling Dhaka Dominators side, his performance stood out. His remarkable figures of 4 for 9, defending a modest total of 108 runs, showcased his match-winning capabilities. Taskin’s recurring appearances in the ESPNcricinfo BPL XI underline his prowess and value to the team.
