Confidence was soaring high in the Sylhet Titans camp, as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) prepared for an exciting new season. Some of that belief has been instilled from the additions in the squad, including Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir – a veteran operator who could help weigh out results, as expressed by pacer Ebadot Hossain.
Ebadot, when spoken to after a practice session in Sylhet, made no secret about being excited at the prospect of being a part of the dressing room that Amir would be in. “Amir has so much to offer, and there’s a lot that we can learn from him,” he said. “He has got 400 plus wickets in his career, he is a T20 giant. His experience will be of huge benefit for us.”
Sylhet Titans signed Amir as a direct signing when teams were given the option to take two overseas players before the auction. The left-arm pacer was a last-minute addition to the side, but in terms of on-field and off-field influence, he has already made a difference – quite massive.
Amir adds to what is fast becoming one of the best pace attacks in this BPL. He will lead the pack along with Syed Khaled Ahmed, Shohidul Islam, Rejaur Rahman Raja, and Ebadot himself. Ebadot believes such an amalgamation makes Sylhet a favourable side.
“We have a fantastic squad, with a balance of local and overseas players,” he detailed. “They have a great mix of experienced seniors and youthful juniors. So, we have a 50–50 balance of batting and bowling in TAC. But to be honest, our bowling attack could even be a touch stronger.”
That confidence comes from talent and mentality within the squad. “There’s a good environment in the team, and I think that’s important in this sort of high-pressure T20 tournament,” Ebadot said.
“Our team is great, Alhamdulillah,” he stated proudly. “There are a few experienced campaigners there, as you saw with Amir Bhai, and me, Khaled Shohidul and Rejaur — we have got bowlers who can win you a match at any time.”
However, in addition to considering team combinations and strategy, Sylhet Titans are also keeping an eye on the ultimate trophy. The ultimate goal is to take home the trophy, Ebadot explained.
“We want to win,” he said. “If we all play well on the field, we do believe that we can come out with the title.”
That is the team’s slogan for this season: “This time we will succeed.” For Ebadot, the words are more than a motivational slogan – it’s a belief they share as they look to push on as a squad.
“It’s just being positive,” he added. “That mantra really does inspire me. I honestly think we can be champions this year, InshaAllah.”
With that frame of mind, and God’s help, we believe we can succeed. cks off, the focus will be on Sylhet Titans’ pace battery – and how Mohammad Amir can team up with local firepower to transform belief into silverware.