Khaled hails BCB's decision to revamp NCL

Bangladesh fast bowler Syed Khaled Ahmed has hailed the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) initiative to revamp the National Cricket League (NCL) in a bid to give the first class cricket competition a more professional look.

He gave his support to the introduction of baggy caps for first-class teams in Bangladesh as he believed the initiative could help create a more authentic Test-cricket environment in domestic cricket.

"We have been wanting for a long time, since we are a Test-playing country, if our first-class cricket can be arranged in the style of Test cricket, it would be very good," he said in a video released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in its official facebook page.

"Starting from clothes, many things affect the game. All in all, it is a good initiative. I want, now that it has started, it should be continued regularly in the future as well," he added.

He also backed a stronger First XI and Second XI structure, arguing that players who lose form or suffer injuries should have an avenue to regain match fitness and confidence before returning to the main team.

"If a player gets injured or goes out of form, he can go to the Second XI and play from here, regain his form and come back to the First XI. Many thanks to the board for creating these things," Khaled said.

"Our cricket is now trying to go higher. InshaAllah, we will take Test cricket to a higher level in our country," he remarked.

Khaled has recently played in English County League and helped Kent move to Division 1, showing a superlative bowling performance in his just first stint.

Khaled, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates with the Bangladesh Test squad, took 16 wickets in three matches for Kent during his recent county stint in England.

The right-arm pacer, who had been out of competitive cricket for some time before travelling to England, initially had to adjust to the cold conditions but quickly found his rhythm after returning to action.

"When I started understanding cricket from a young age, my dream was to play a franchise four-day or T20 league one day. English cricket was very high for me. I was very happy after getting the opportunity," Khaled said.

Khaled was not selected for Kent's first match as the captain and coaching staff advised him to take time to adapt to the conditions. He then became a regular member of the side and impressed with his performances.

The Bangladesh pacer also said he enjoyed his time with his Kent teammates away from the field.

Now preparing for Bangladesh's Test against Afghanistan on October 9, Khaled said adapting to the UAE heat was simply part of being a professional cricketer.

"As a professional cricketer, you have to adapt to anywhere. After going to England, I had to adapt to the cold. Now it is hot here. I bowled today, I ran yesterday. I have almost adapted. In another day or two, maybe the full rhythm of bowling will come. I have no excuse for the heat or cold," he said. �"BSS