Defending champions Rangpur Riders are confident of retaining their title as they gear up for the 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from 10 to 18 July.
Rangpur Riders skipper Nurul Hasan expressed his optimism on Monday, saying the team is prepared to face the upcoming challenges. The Riders will begin their campaign against the Guyana Amazon Warriors on July 10, followed by a clash with the Hobart Hurricanes on July 13.
They will also face the Dubai Capitals and Central Districts on 16 and 17 July, respectively.
“Nobody gave us a chance when we played in last year’s GSL. Despite losing the first two matches, Alhamdulillah, we became champions,” Nurul said.
“This year, we’ll face challenges again. Our team management has been working hard over the last two or three months to take the team to the next level. There’s been a lot of debate and discussion around the squad, but we have complete belief in our team. Inshallah, we’ll give it our best,” he added.
“Belief is very important. I think each team member believes in themselves. If we can give our best, success will follow.”
Referring to Bangladesh cricket’s current struggles, Nurul said, “Winning the last edition of the GSL was a significant chapter for Bangladesh cricket. We’re trying to embrace the challenges. Nobody expected us to reach the final last time, but we did and became champions. This time, as defending champions, we know there will be new challenges, but we’re ready to enjoy them.”
“Last year’s tournament was highly competitive and full of hurdles. After we became champions, people started talking about Bangladesh cricket in a new light. At the moment, the national side is going through a difficult phase, but last year’s success was a proud achievement for the country. Once we reach Guyana, we’ll see what lies ahead and do our best to overcome the challenges,” he concluded.
“Everyone has expectations when it comes to Bangladesh cricket, no matter where we play,” said Nurul Hasan. “I believe it’s important to enjoy the pressure rather than be burdened by it. If we can give our best, something good will come of it.”
Renowned South African coach Mickey Arthur will continue to play an active role with the Rangpur Riders in the upcoming 2025 Global Super League (GSL), though remotely, due to his ongoing commitments with Derbyshire County Cricket Club in the English County Championship.
In his absence, Greg Smith will take over as head coach of the Riders, operating under Arthur’s remote supervision. The announcement was made by Rangpur Riders Team Director Shanian Taneem during a press conference following the jersey unveiling and sponsorship signing ceremony held on Sunday at Bashundhara Sports City.
“As the English County Championship is currently ongoing and Mickey is coaching Derbyshire, he is unavailable at the moment,” Shanian explained. “Therefore, we’re appointing Greg Smith as our head coach—someone Mickey fully trusts. Mickey will remain in close contact with the players and offer guidance throughout the tournament. Greg will lead the team on the ground under Mickey’s supervision.”
Arthur previously coached the Riders during both last season’s GSL and the most recent edition of the Bangladesh Premier League. He has also played an integral role in forming this season’s squad.
“Mickey was our head coach in the previous Global Super League as well as in the last BPL season,” Shanian added. “We have strong faith in his abilities. While forming this year’s squad, we stayed in constant communication with him, particularly discussing which players would adapt best to the conditions in Guyana.”
Former national team captain Mohammad Ashraful will also rejoin the Riders’ coaching panel after playing a crucial supporting role in their successful GSL campaign last year.
“Ashraful will again be part of our coaching setup,” Shanian confirmed. “His contributions last season were significant. Despite certain limitations, his support gave us a major boost. This season, our coaching panel will consist of both Greg Smith and Mohammad Ashraful.”
The Rangpur Riders are set to leave for Guyana in three groups, with the first group scheduled to depart today.
Rangpur Riders Squad: Nurul Hasan Sohan (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Kyle Mayers, Saif Hassan, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Akif Javed, Rakibul Hasan, Tabraiz Shamsi, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafey, Kamrul Islam, Khaled Ahmed.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
