Vibes that brought Mohammad Nawaz back to BPL for another stint

Mohammad Nawaz ends the year as the highest wicket-getter among all full-member nations in T20Is. He grabbed 36 wickets in 26 shortest format games at an average of 13.61. 

With those numbers and with three T20 leagues currently running simultaneously, he’d have received a warm welcome in any of them. He, however, chose to be a part of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), a league not many would prefer over the other, more cash-rich options. 

But Nawaz would rather have ‘positive vibes’ and familiar names than a hefty paycheck. In truth, the fact that he has shown up for the league consistently over the year shows that he didn’t need a reason to do so this time either.

What makes Mohammad Nawaz keep coming back to BPL?

The SLA has represented four teams, including Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi Royals and Sylhet Sixers before being roped in by Rajshahi Warriors this year. From what he tells, one name brought him to the franchise and put all his apprehensions to rest. That name is Hannan Sarkar, the Warriors’ head coach for this season. 

"The first time I played in the BPL, I got positive vibes in the Rajshahi side, where Hannan bhai created a relaxed and positive environment," Nawaz told ESPNcricinfo in an interview. 

"He is a former Test cricketer who has a lot of knowledge. When my manager told me that an offer is coming from Rajshahi and Hannan bhai is the coach, I felt very good, because some things have happened in the past, which you don't want when coming to BPL. But when I came to know that Hannan bhai is in management, I was very happy."

Picking brains at the BPL

Rajshahi Warriors, who sit at the top of the table with two wins in three games, are being led by Najmul Hossain Shanto. And Nawaz is particularly fond of Shanto’s way of handling the young crop in the team and shutting down his critics with a strong performance. 

"You saw [Shanto] scored 100 in the first match… Performance speaks on the ground," Nawaz says. "He scored a century in the first match - now, whether he is a T20 batter or not is a different debate - but his performance says that he is a T20 batter.

"He is very positive as a captain. He backs the youngsters, keeps them relaxed. He tells them to just relax and play your cricket, give your 100 per cent, the result does not matter."

Along with Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim forms the core of Rajshahi Warriors. There are a few players who know the format as thoroughly as Mushfiqur does. And Nawaz doesn’t shy from drawing on the veteran wicketkeeper batter’s knowledge of the game. 

“[Mushfiqur] bhai has vast experience. He made his debut in 2005," Nawaz said. "Someone cannot play twenty years of international cricket just like that; there is something special [about him].

"I talk to [Mushfiqur] especially when he is keeping. If the pitch is behaving in a certain way… I ask him, 'Mushfiq bhai, which length will be good here, and what pace will be good?' Whatever experience he has, when he tells me, I keep it in my mind. And then… I plan my game.