English cricketer Robin excited to return to his roots with BPL

Publish: 7:42 PM, January 9, 2023 | Update: 7:42 PM, January 9, 2023

Bangladesh origin English cricketer Robin Das who is playing this Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for Dhaka Dominators is excited to return to his ancestor’s homeland but made it clear that his preference will be always to play for England national cricket team.

The Essex cricketer’s Father Mridul Das who was born in Sunamganj district migrated to England long before he was born. Robin heard about Bangladesh from his father. But he hadn’t got any chance to return to the roots.

However when the BPL presented him with this opportunity, Robin feels an excitement.

“I am very excited. This is my father’s country. He used to tell me about his home in Bangladesh. He is very happy that I have come to play this tournament,” Robin said during his first interaction with Bangladeshi media today.

Robin will be available for the entire season for Dhaka and will also go to Sylhet with the team. He wants to meet the relatives of his father’s family there.

“They (relatives) are all very happy, very excited. Not only my family members but also my relatives here are very happy. They went to welcome me at the airport. I will visit my relatives. I will meet my father’s family. It will be a big deal for me to be able to go to Sylhet and play in my father’s district.”

Robin who has played three T20 matches for Essex so far, scored only 45 runs. But in 2018, he made two hundreds for Essex under-16 team. He also played for the Essex Second XI.

Robin is no stranger to Bangladeshi cricket either as he was named in the player draft for the Bangabandhu T20 tournament in late 2020, although he did not get a chance to play. Robin was named Essex’s Academy Player of the Year in 2019.

He played as an extra fielder in England’s jersey. Coincidentally, he had to field against New Zealand at Lord’s after fast bowler Mathew Potts got injured. He was however on the field for four balls.

As his identity is English, Robin wants to make his career with England team.

“It was a great opportunity for me. I had a great experience and learned a lot. It’s great to be in a Test atmosphere at a ground like Lord’s. I learned some things from cricketers. Overall it was a great experience. Now my dream is to play for England. But I don’t want to close any doors for the future. But playing for England is a dream.”