Tamim Iqbal Nahid Rana Babar Azam. Image Credits: AFP/X
Nowadays, several players are choosing franchise cricket over International cricket. This move from the cricketers has been the talk of the town, and with each passing day, franchise cricket is gaining more popularity all around the world.
Leagues such as the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, and The Hundred have continued to attract players with massive contracts and global exposure.
Recently, talking to the The Times of India, former Bangladesh captain and BCB’s interim president Tamim Iqbal spoke candidly about his views on franchise cricket, including Nahid Rana.
Tamim Iqbal defends International cricket amid franchise boom
In the question from TOI, he was also asked: if players like Nahid Rana choose franchise cricket and avoid international duty?
Tamim Iqbal made it clear that despite the growing popularity of franchise leagues, international cricket still holds a special emotional value for most players.
According to Tamim, many cricketers around the world receive huge offers from franchise teams, yet they continue to prioritise playing for their national sides.
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The former Bangladesh skipper admitted that there could be exceptions, with some players choosing the franchise route completely.
However, he believes the majority of players will still value international cricket above everything else.
"There is one thing money cannot buy and that is the passion for playing for your country. If that was the case, 80 percent of cricketers could have gone that way. I have the utmost respect for franchise cricket, but when you play for your nation and your country, that is something you cannot buy." Tamim Iqbal added.
"Even in your country, superstars can get massive offers, but they still play for the country. These are things that come from your heart when you play for your nation."
"If I have to compare it with football, players are getting paid millions and millions of dollars, but when there is an opportunity to play for their country, they still go and play."
"There are certain things money cannot buy and playing for your country will never change. Yes, there will be exceptions and a few cricketers might go that way, but if you ask me about the majority, I do not think that is going to change," - Tamim Iqbal concluded.
Tamim also focused on Nahid Rana's example to explain how difficult it can be for young cricketers to turn down franchise opportunities when they can earn significantly more playing T20 cricket around the world.
Nahid Rana's performance against Pakistan and in PSL
Nahid Rana recently grabbed headlines after his outstanding performances against Pakistan. Bangladesh created history by defeating Pakistan 2-0 in the Test series, and the young pacer played a major role in the memorable win.
Nahid Rana picked up 11 wickets in four innings during the Test series and consistently troubled Pakistan's batting lineup with his raw pace. His best performance came in the first Test, where he claimed five wickets for 40 runs in the second innings.
The fast bowler had earlier played in the PSL while playing for Peshawar Zalmi under the leadership of Babar Azam. Nahid took nine wickets in five innings and played a crucial role in helping the franchise win the title.
Interestingly, Babar Azam later faced Nahid in the Test series and struggled against the young pacer's speed.
Apart from the Tests, Nahid also delivered solid performances in the ODI series against Pakistan, taking eight wickets in three matches.
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