Inside Sylhet Titans’ BPL blueprint

As the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) gets underway on December 26, Daily Sun begins a six-part, team-by-team feature series assessing each franchise’s strengths, weaknesses and key questions ahead of the new season. Today, we analyse one of the tournament favourites — Sylhet Titans.

If any team has created enough buzz with its local representation ahead of the upcoming BPL, it is Sylhet-based new franchise Sylhet Titans. The CWS-owned side invested heavily in national-level players from the region and built a strong local core around them, led by last season’s Player of the Tournament Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with a clear aim of challenging for the title in their debut campaign. With multiple high-quality bowling options already in place, Sylhet have every reason to target a top-two finish in the league phase.

Crowded top order, big selection headache

One of the biggest questions facing Sylhet ahead of the new season is the composition of their top four. With a surplus of top-order batters in the squad, the issue remains a major talking point as the tournament approaches. The franchise made a significant investment to sign Pakistani opener Saim Ayub and also brought in USA international Aaron Jones. They are joined by several established local names, including national team opener Parvez Hossain Emon, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Afif Hossain and Tawfique Khan Tushar. Young Ariful Islam is also a genuine contender.

Adding further intrigue, captain Miraz has indicated his willingness to bat at the top of the order if required. Many of these players are entering the BPL with a point to prove, which could serve as added motivation.

Parvez Hossain Emon has endured a mixed 2025 at international level, showing flashes of aggressive strokeplay but struggling for consistency. A strong BPL campaign could strengthen his World Cup prospects. Local boy Zakir Hasan, a left-handed opener dropped from the Test side in March, will be eager to reassert his T20 credentials.

Mominul Haque, a proven Test performer, is pushing to re-establish himself in white-ball cricket. Afif Hossain, out of the national setup for over a year, will view this BPL as a crucial opportunity to revive his international ambitions. Ariful Islam and Tushar add further depth with their attacking domestic reputations.

Middle-order depth a concern

In contrast, Sylhet’s middle order appears relatively thin, with limited specialist options available for the crucial middle phase of the innings. Much will depend on Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews, whose experience and composure could prove vital in stabilising the innings and guiding the side through pressure situations.

The Titans will also be keenly watching the availability of Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, whose contributions with both bat and ball would significantly balance the side. The signing of Moeen Ali adds further value, as his presence can strengthen the lower middle order and provide flexibility. Without these options fully available, Sylhet may be forced to push top-order batters down the order — a scenario the team would ideally like to avoid.

A bowling dominant team

Sylhet Titans can be regarded as one of the most bowling-dominant teams in this year’s BPL, boasting a wide range of quality options, both local and overseas. One of their standout direct signings is left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, who has been in outstanding form across formats, particularly in T20 cricket. His consistency gives Sylhet a reliable four-over option, especially in the powerplay. Captain Miraz and the experienced Moeen are expected to contribute later in the innings.

Nasum will be supported by seasoned Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir, along with Azmatullah Omarzai and Ethan Brookes. The depth extends further with local quicks Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, both keen to make an impact, particularly in the middle overs. Pakistani slinger Salman Irshad offers strong death-over credentials, while Shohidul Islam has built a reputation as a dependable finisher. Capable backups Ruyel Miah and Rahatul Ferdous Javed add further strength to an already formidable attack.

What the captain says

Sylhet Titans skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz believes the franchise’s strong local contingent is well equipped to deliver in the BPL and expressed satisfaction with the overall balance of the squad.

“The team combination is very good. If you look at the Sylhet players, they are top players, and they are in the Sylhet team,” Miraz said.

“If you see Nasum and how he plays T20 cricket for Bangladesh, now he is playing for Sylhet. Khaled, Ebadot and others — everyone is in very good shape. At the same time, players who are involved in T20 cricket, like Emon and a few others, are also part of the Sylhet team. Overall, I feel our local players are very good,” he added.

Sylhet Titans squad: Nasum Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Amir, Parvez Hossain Emon, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Rony Talukdar, Zakir Hasan, Ruyel Miah, Ariful Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shohidul Islam, Rahatul Ferdous Javed, Tawfique Khan Tushar, Mominul Haque, Robiul Islam Robi, Angelo Mathews, Aaron Jones, Salman Irshad, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ethan Brookes, Moeen Ali