The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have announced its proposed central contract list for the 2024-25 season, and one name which stood tall above the rest is of Taskin Ahmed. The fiery pacer has been promoted to the prestigious A+ category, a testament to his hard work, consistency, and growing stature in Bangladesh cricket. This move not only recognizes Taskin’s individual brilliance but also reflects a broader shift in the country’s cricketing philosophy.
A journey of grit and determination
Taskin, born on April 3, 1995, in Dhaka, has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s bowling attack since his debut. Known for his raw pace and ability to swing the ball, Taskin burst onto the international scene in 2014 with a five-wicket haul against India on his ODI debut – a feat no Bangladeshi bowler had achieved before. Over the years, he has battled injuries and form slumps but has emerged stronger, becoming a leader of Bangladesh’s fast-bowling unit.
In recent years, Taskin has been instrumental in transforming Bangladesh’s pace attack. Under the guidance of coaches like Allan Donald, he has honed his skills to become a versatile bowler capable of delivering at any stage of the game. His performances in the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup further solidified his reputation as one of the finest pacers in the region.
A+ category: What it means?
The BCB’s decision to return to a universal grading system for central contracts is significant. Players are now categorized into five tiers – A+, A, B, C, and D—based on their performances across formats. Taskin’s elevation to the A+ category places him alongside Bangladesh’s elite cricketers and underscores his importance to the team.
This recognition is not just symbolic; it comes with tangible benefits. Players in the A+ category receive higher financial compensation and additional perks, reflecting their value to the national team. For Taskin, this promotion is both a reward for past achievements and an incentive to continue leading from the front.
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The new central contract list: A snapshot
The proposed central contract list for 2025 includes 22 players divided into five categories:
A+ Category: Taskin AhmedA Category: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Test & ODI captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Kumar Das, Mushfiqur RahimB Category: Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Mahmudullah, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid RanaC Category: Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanjim Hasan Sakib, Mahedi HasanD Category: Nasum Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed
The list reflects a balanced approach by recognizing both experienced campaigners and emerging talents. However, debates persist regarding the inclusion of senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah amidst their inconsistent performances.
Taskin Ahmed: The face of Bangladesh’s pace revolution
For years, Bangladesh cricket was synonymous with spin bowling. However, a new era is dawning as fast bowlers like Taskin lead the charge. Under Donald’s mentorship, Taskin has become the de-facto leader of this revolution. His ability to generate pace and movement has added a new dimension to Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
