Sports Desk:

Bangladesh’s three senior cricketers—Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad are highly expected to take part in the upcoming NCL T20 tournament for their respective divisions.

Akram Khan, the chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Tournament Committee confirmed the development on Thursday.

If Tamim finally plays, the tournament will mark his return to the competitive cricket after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier this year during the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) matches.

“I have already talked to Tamim Iqbal. He expressed his desire to play the tournament,” Akram said here on Thursday.

While Tamim and Mahmudullah are set to play for their respective divisions, Mushfiqur Rahim who usually plays for Rajshahi division is likely to play for Sylhet division this year.

“Mushfiqur probably requested to play for Sylhet. As far as I know, he wants to play in Sylhet division this year,” Akram, also the former Bangladesh skipper, added.

“The selectors didn’t tell me anything about Mahmudullah. But I think he will also play.”

The three senior players had already retired from the International cricket although Mushfiqur is only playing in the Test format.

The NCL T20 tournament was a huge success when it was launched for the first time last year. The tournament is for only local players and provides them a platform to shine in this format.