BPL 'improving each year' believes Dhaka Capitals captain Thisara Perera
When asked about the quality of BPL compared to other leagues, Perera shared his perspective without making direct comparisons.
Thisara Perera, the seasoned Sri Lankan all-rounder, has featured in nearly all major franchise cricket leagues, including the IPL, Big Bash, PSL, CPL, LPL, and Bangladesh's BPL. With extensive experience in Bangladesh's domestic tournament, Perera has closely observed the evolution of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). In his view, the league has consistently improved with each passing season.
Although Perera did not participate in the last edition of the BPL, he played for the Sylhet Strikers in the previous season. For the upcoming season, Perera will represent the Dhaka Capitals, where he has also been entrusted with the captaincy. Despite the added responsibility, the experienced all-rounder does not see leadership as a burden. He emphasised that in franchise cricket, teamwork matters more than individual roles.
Discussing his approach to captaincy, Perera remarked, "In franchise cricket, we all know how things work. Captaincy here is just a role. As players, we all learn leadership throughout our careers. So, we don't dwell on who the captain is, who the senior players are, or who the juniors are. We focus on progressing in our cricketing journey without overthinking these labels."
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When asked about the quality of the BPL compared to other leagues, Perera shared his perspective without making direct comparisons. He said, "I cannot rank all the franchise leagues I've played in. However, I can confidently say that the BPL is one of the best among them. I cannot categorise leagues as better or worse, but the BPL certainly holds a prominent place in franchise cricket."
Perera also highlighted the steady progress of the BPL. He stated, "What stands out to me is that the BPL improves every year. That is the most important thing. I truly appreciate the league for its growth and continuity. Having played here for many years, I've gained valuable experiences. Seeing the BPL continue into its 11th season is impressive."
He further added, "Some countries have leagues that run for a year or two before they stop and restart. Playing in such inconsistent tournaments is not enjoyable for players. I thank the BPL organisers for ensuring the league's uninterrupted continuity over the years. That consistency makes it stand out."
The 11th edition of the BPL, featuring seven teams, is set to commence on 30 December. Dhaka Capitals, led by Perera, will take the field on the opening day against Rangpur Riders in the second match of the day at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM. Earlier in the day, the defending champions, Fortune Barishal, will face Durbar Rajshahi in the inaugural match at 1:30 PM at the same venue.
