Bengal T20 League: Shahbaz Ahmed sends a clear message to youngsters chasing IPL contracts

The Bengal T20 League has established itself as one of the state’s leading platforms for identifying emerging talent. The competition offers young cricketers the opportunity to play alongside established domestic and IPL names while appearing in front of Cricket Association of Bengal officials, state selectors and IPL scouts. Strong performances in the league were regularly rewarded with opportunities at senior domestic level.

This year’s edition once again highlighted the depth of Bengal’s talent in the white ball. Experienced players led from the front while several uncapped cricketers made a strong impression with consistent displays. The tournament also reinforced the value of senior professionals mentoring younger teammates during high-pressure matches, a factor that proved important in the Rarh Tigers’ title-winning campaign.

Rarh Tigers finished top of the league table before beating Sobisco Smashers Malda by nine runs by DLS in a rain-affected final to clinch their maiden Bengal T20 League title. Reduced to 10 for 3 in the 15-over contest, the Tigers bounced back thanks to captain Shahbaz Ahmed’s unbeaten 88 off 46 balls, an innings with seven fours and six sixes. Gaurav Singh Chauhan provided vital support with 55 off 30 deliveries while Rarh posted 165 for 4.

Malda were set a revised target of 107 in nine overs but ended up at 97 for 5 despite Abhimanyu Easwaran’s 38 off 22 balls. Sukhmeet Singh took two wickets while Raju Halder and Rohit Kumar took one wicket each to secure the title for Rarh Tigers.

Shahbaz, retained for a top fee before the season, capped off another productive all-rounder campaign. The Indian all-rounder believes that the tournament has revealed several players capable of representing Bengal in the years to come. He singled out Rahul Prasad, Rohit and Gaurav Singh Chauhan among those who have impressed, saying competitions like the Bengal T20 League provide an important pathway from age-group cricket to the senior domestic game.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Shahbaz reflected on his season, the responsibility of leading one of the strongest teams in the competition, the emergence of a new generation of Bengal and why success in tournaments like the Bengal T20 League can help young cricketers get opportunities at higher levels.

Q: Your team retained you for a record fee this season. How do you rate your overall performance? You scored runs and also took wickets. What is your personal rating?

Shahbaz Ahmed: Yes, I was left to the highest bidder this season. The franchise must have seen the value in having a player who can contribute with the bat in the middle order, mix and also lead the side. These are the qualities that make a franchise invest heavily in a player.

For me, team success is far more satisfying. If your team finishes top of the table after seven games and then wins the league, that’s the ultimate achievement. Personally, I feel like my tournament has been decent so far. My focus now is to carry this momentum into the semi-finals and finals and help the team perform even better.

Q: Which young players in the Rarh Tigers line-up impressed you the most as a senior this season?**

Shahbaz Ahmed: I was busy with an IPL match on the day of the auction, so I had no idea which team I would end up with. When the squad was announced, I noticed that most of the players were youngsters, with a few experienced names like Shubham.

To be honest, Rahul Prasad was excellent. His all-round contributions were crucial, especially the way he handled pressure situations and gave us strong starts with the bat. I already knew about his bowling because we played together in the Ranji Trophy, but I haven’t seen this level of power hitting from him. That was a pleasant surprise. I believe he has the ability to do well for Bengal and push for higher honours.

Rohit has also been exceptional with both bat and ball. He won us key games under pressure, including against Adamas and Murshidabad. The way these players mentally and physically prepared for the tournament was impressive.

Gaurav also played an important role in the middle order. We know what our experienced top-order batsmen can offer, but the contribution from these youngsters made a huge difference during the tournament.

Q: Many young players see the T20 leagues as a stepping stone to the IPL. What advice would you give them to turn that dream into reality?

Shahbaz Ahmed: Neither I nor our coach Bappa Da talked to the players about IPL contracts or even the selection of Bengal. We didn’t want to burden them with these expectations.

The players know the opportunity in front of them. Matches are televised, selectors watch, association officials are present and IPL scouts watch the tournament. The only thing a player can control is his preparation and performance. When you give 100 percent on the field and prepare well, opportunities will come.

Q: Sandeep Patil has described the Bengal T20 league as a big opportunity for players to take the next step in their career. Having worked closely with these players, how important do you think leagues like this are to the next generation of cricketers?**

Shahbaz Ahmed: They are extremely important, especially for Bengal cricket. Until last season, white-ball cricket had not had enough standout performers, raising questions about where the next batch of players would come from.

After watching this tournament I feel Bengali cricket has a very bright future. The quality of talent and performances we saw were hugely encouraging.

I am sure these players will strengthen Bengal in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ranji Trophy is a different format but when it comes to white ball cricket I believe Bengal has a very exciting future.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

June 26, 2026 12:39 PM IST