Akbar Ali ready to embrace captaincy if offered in the BPL
The 23-year-old is also keen to bat higher up the order, having predominantly played in lower positions during his T20 career.
Four years after leading Bangladesh to their first-ever ICC trophy in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, Akbar Ali has yet to break into the national side.
However, the wicketkeeper-batter is determined to improve his game and potentially lead his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team, Durbar Rajshahi, if given the opportunity.
Akbar, who recently joined Rajshahi's training camp in Mirpur, expressed his readiness for any responsibility the team management deems fit.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
When asked about the prospect of captaining the side, he said, "That's something I'll have to think about. If the management offers me the role, I'll certainly consider it. Ultimately, it depends on how the team envisions things."
The 23-year-old is also keen to bat higher up the order, having predominantly played in lower positions during his T20 career. Out of 44 innings, he batted below number five on 25 occasions. But his recent performances in domestic cricket have given him the confidence to aim higher.
Playing for Rangpur Division in the National Cricket League (NCL) T20s, Akbar flourished in the middle order, scoring 208 runs at a strike rate of 149.64, including two fifties.
Reflecting on his preferred position, he said, "Personally, I think number four or five would be ideal for me. Not below that. Of course, at the end of the day, it's up to the team's plans, but if you ask for my preference, I'd say four or five."
In his three previous BPL seasons, Akbar batted above number six only twice in 15 matches. Now, with Rajshahi, he hopes to replicate his NCL form and strengthen his claim for a spot in the national team.
Despite the stiff competition for the wicketkeeper-batter's role in the national side, particularly with Zakir Hasan's recent emergence, Akbar views the journey as a personal challenge rather than a rivalry. "I don't think the competition is with anyone else. In my opinion, it's a competition with myself. If I perform well, my opportunities will come," he said.
Akbar's ability to lead and perform under pressure is not new. He captained Rangpur to titles in both the NCL T20s and the four-day format in recent years. That experience could come in handy if Rajshahi decides to entrust him with the captaincy.
Rajshahi's squad faced criticism for being one of the weaker teams after the BPL draft, but they've since recruited several experienced local and overseas players. Akbar remains optimistic about the team's chances in the tournament.
"When you're part of a team, you must believe in its potential. We also have a strong squad. If we can play to our capabilities and gain momentum quickly, we can beat any team on any day. T20 cricket isn't about what's on paper—it's about performing on the field," he noted.
Rajshahi's campaign kicks off on 30 December at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, where they will face defending champions Fortune Barishal in the tournament's opening match.
