Akash Deep Eyes 50 To 100 Test Matches, Bengal Pro T20 League To Aid His Journey

India pacer Akash Deep, set to lead Siliguri Strikers in the Bengal Pro T20 League, believes the tournament will provide a significant platform for new cricketing talent in Bengal.

Scheduled from June 11 to June 28 in Kolkata, the Bengal Pro T20 League is the first franchise tournament organized by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Bengal players have long called for such a tournament, and Akash Deep is eager to participate, believing it will bring a comprehensive change.

"I have been very excited since I heard that the Bengal Pro T20 League is going to happen. I'm also excited to play for Siliguri Strikers since Siliguri is far from Kolkata, and seeing their team play in the league will definitely help cricket grow in Siliguri," Akash Deep, who has been picked as the marquee player for the Siliguri Strikers, said in a statement to the franchise.

"I have been playing in the IPL for the last two months and am really looking forward to the League. Many new players will emerge during the Bengal Pro T20 League. As a senior player, it is our responsibility to play well and prepare ourselves for tough competition," he added.

The Bengal pacer played in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and made his Test debut for India earlier this year in February. The 27-year-old cricketer is confident of replicating his recent success in the tournament.

"My IPL 2024 experience will help in the Bengal Pro T20 League. I'm relishing my style of play this year. First, I was picked for India A in South Africa. Then I played in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, and then I got my India call-up. I'm not someone who will be happy just by getting picked for Team India. I want to play at least 50 to 100 Tests for India," Akash Deep concluded.

The Bengal pacer is expected to lead the Siliguri Strikers men's team, while Priyanka Bala will lead the women's team in the tournament.

Servotech Siliguri Strikers will represent Siliguri and other catchment areas such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Kalimpong, covering northern districts of West Bengal. The Bengal Pro T20 tournament is set to kickstart on June 11 at Eden Gardens with eight teams across the state competing for the inaugural title.