Sports Desk:

Fortune Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal (right) and Chittagong Kings captain Mohammad Mithun pose with the BPL trophy ahead of the final at the Sheraton Dhaka on Thursday. Photo: Daily Sun

As the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) approaches its final match on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Fortune Barishal remain composed and focused, preparing for a decisive clash against Chittagong Kings.

A victory would secure them a back-to-back championship title. Their consistent performances throughout the tournament have earned them a spot in the final, leaving them just one step away from glory.

Fortune Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal emphasised that their success is no coincidence, attributing it to skill and hard work.

“It’s not just about making it to the playoffs; we’ve played exceptional cricket throughout,” Tamim said during a press conference at SBNS following the team’s practice session. He also acknowledged the management’s significant contribution to the team’s success.

A key factor in Barishal’s success has been the unwavering support of their dedicated fanbase, who have followed the team across Chattogram, Sylhet, and Dhaka.

“We’re fortunate to represent this franchise. Whether it’s the group stage or the qualifiers, Barishal fans have always been there for us,” Tamim said.

The team has plans for a special celebration if they secure the title. “If we win, we’d love to bring the trophy back home on a launch,” he added.

Tamim also highlighted the importance of experience, noting that many of their players have faced and overcome tough challenges.

“Experience is the key. We have players who’ve been through difficult situations and emerged stronger. The way this franchise is run has also been crucial to our success. One thing we can guarantee is respect for the players, regardless of their performance,” he explained.

Unlike last season, when Barishal battled until the final moments to stay in contention, this year’s journey has been much smoother. With everything hinging on a single qualifier match, the team has remained calm and focused.

“This year, the challenges have been different. The team is calm, and if we execute our plans, everything will fall into place,” he added.

Despite their past triumphs, Barishal’s hunger for another title remains strong.

“Even teams that have won five times still want a sixth. We also want to win again,” Tamim asserted, while acknowledging the unpredictability of T20 cricket. “As we’ve seen, anything can happen. The team that plays better on the day will come out on top.”

Barishal’s final league match, though not affecting their qualification, saw them fielding a full-strength squad to maintain momentum. “We didn’t want to disrupt our rhythm, so we fielded our best XI. The result didn’t go our way, but we’re not planning to make drastic changes. We’ll stick with what’s worked for us so far,” said Tamim.

As the final approaches, Barishal understands the importance of staying composed. “The team that handles pressure the best will have the upper hand. I’ve played in two finals before, and while I was nervous during the qualifiers, I’m not stressed about the final. Hopefully, it will be the same,” said Tamim. “If you let the pressure get to you, mistakes happen. The key is to stay calm.”

With only one match standing between them and the championship, Barishal is determined to give it their all. “At the end of the day, the final is just another match. If we execute our plans well, we have a great chance,” concluded the captain.

Addressing off-field issues in the BPL, such as player non-payments, Tamim shared his thoughts. He stressed that the tournament’s success hinges on having the right organizers with fresh ideas rather than relying on long-standing organizers who lack genuine intent.

“I feel that to create a good tournament in the future, we need the right people with the right vision. You can have 50 years of experience, but if you don’t have the right intentions, that experience is pointless. If you’ve been a cricket organizer for 30 years but Bangladesh cricket is going downhill, that experience has no value for me. Bring in someone new with fresh ideas and a new perspective,” he concluded.