Despite a brilliant century, Rajshahi's captain Anamul Haque Bijoy could not steer his team to victory in the ongoing BPL season. On January 19, Anamul reached his century on the final ball of the match but left the field disappointed as Rajshahi fell short of the 7-run target. Following the game, he expressed his frustration not only about the defeat but also about the lack of international franchise league opportunities for Bangladeshi cricketers.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Anamul said, "Scoring a century but failing to win the game is incredibly painful. Winning such a close game would have been a dream for any batsman. While batting, I was constantly looking at the scoreboard to calculate how close we could get, but in the end, we couldn’t make it."

Anamul’s 100-run knock came off just 57 balls, featuring 9 fours and 5 sixes. Displaying his prowess with shots around the ground, he showcased a new dimension of his batting skills. Commenting on his approach, he said, "Playing 360-degree shots requires a lot of hard work. I owe a big thanks to the coaches, throwers, and ball boys who have tirelessly supported me. After the powerplay, I focused on how to pace my innings and choose the right shots."

Apart from discussing his batting, Anamul highlighted his concern about the performance of local players in the BPL and their lack of opportunities in international franchise leagues. He remarked, "We have many players who could become big stars if given the chance to play in franchise leagues abroad. Players like Mahidul Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Zakir Hasan, and Shamim are performing exceptionally well. Unfortunately, without opportunities abroad, they don’t get the platform to prove themselves."

Drawing a comparison with Afghan cricketers, Anamul said, "Even Afghan players who don’t play for their national team get opportunities in leagues like the Big Bash and IPL. Our players are equally talented, and with proper exposure, they could establish themselves as big stars on the global stage."

Addressing recent controversies regarding payment issues within the Durbar Rajshahi team, Anamul admitted that most players have received their dues but mentioned that a few payments remain pending. Laughing, he said, "First question about this (laughs)... We’ve received 25 percent, and another 25 percent is due soon. Most players have been paid, but I’m not sure if a couple of players have been left out."

Following this defeat, Durbar Rajshahi remains in fifth place on the points table with three wins in eight matches. They now face a critical match against Chittagong Kings today, which could determine their fate in the tournament.

While Anamul's century has drawn widespread praise, his frustrations shed light on deeper issues within the country's cricket system. Providing more opportunities for Bangladeshi players in international franchise leagues could be a game-changer, helping many talented cricketers make their mark on the global stage.