Comilla Victorians: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has grown to become one of the premier T20 leagues in the world, attracting a large number of international players and creating thrilling cricketing spectacles year after year. Among the many teams that have participated in the tournament, Comilla Victorians has been one of the most successful franchises in the history of the league.
Since their inception in 2012, the Comilla Victorians have established themselves as a dominant force in BPL, with their impressive performances and consistent success. Over the years, they have accumulated numerous achievements, including multiple BPL titles. In this article, we’ll explore the journey of Comilla Victorians, their triumphs in the BPL, and how many times they have claimed the coveted BPL trophy.
Comilla Victorians’ Record in BPL
The Comilla Victorians have participated in almost every season of the Bangladesh Premier League since its inception, and they have enjoyed considerable success. They are considered one of the most consistent teams in the league, thanks to their solid performances year after year.
Let’s take a closer look at their BPL title wins and their overall success throughout the seasons.
Comilla Victorians’ BPL Title Wins
| Year | Position | Opponent in Final | Result | Key Players in Final | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Champions | Rajshahi Kings | Won by 1 run | Mahmudullah, Imrul Kayes, Mashrafe Mortaza | Mashrafe Mortaza |
| 2019 | Champions | Dhaka Dynamites | Won by 8 wickets | Liton Das, Riki Wessels, Alok Kapali | Mashrafe Mortaza |
| 2023 | Champions | Sylhet Strikers | Won by 3 wickets | Nabil Samad, Shamsur Rahman, Tanveer Sangha | Imrul Kayes |
BPL 2015: The Victorians’ First Triumph
In 2015, the Comilla Victorians won their first-ever BPL title, clinching the trophy in a thrilling final against Rajshahi Kings. The final was a nail-biting encounter that saw Comilla win by just 1 run, a result that remains one of the most dramatic in BPL history.
- Key Players:
- Mahmudullah, Imrul Kayes, and Mashrafe Mortaza were the standout performers in the final, with Mahmudullah playing an instrumental role in the batting department.
- Mashrafe Mortaza, the captain, led his team to a memorable victory, taking crucial wickets in the final moments.
BPL 2019: A Dominant Victory
The 2019 BPL final saw Comilla Victorians return to their winning ways with a dominant performance in the final against Dhaka Dynamites. This time, they won by a comfortable margin of 8 wickets, showing their complete dominance in the competition.
- Key Players:
- Liton Das played a match-winning knock, contributing significantly with the bat.
- Riki Wessels and Alok Kapali also made valuable contributions to Comilla’s pursuit of the target.
- Mashrafe Mortaza, once again, proved his leadership capabilities as he guided his team to the second title.
BPL 2023: The Victorians Secure a Historic Third Title
After a few years without lifting the trophy, the Comilla Victorians came back stronger in BPL 2023, defeating Sylhet Strikers in the final by 3 wickets. This marked their third BPL title and confirmed their place among the most successful teams in the league’s history.
- Key Players:
- Nabil Samad played an outstanding all-round role, both with the bat and ball, contributing crucial performances in the final.
- Shamsur Rahman and Tanveer Sangha were also pivotal in ensuring that Comilla chased down the target efficiently.
Overall Performance of Comilla Victorians in BPL
In addition to their three titles, the Comilla Victorians have had several other notable achievements, including consistent playoff appearances and strong group stage performances. Their ability to perform in both regular seasons and high-pressure situations has set them apart from other teams in the league.
Here is a summary of Comilla Victorians’ overall performance in the BPL:
| Season | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Did not participate | League started this year |
| 2013 | Did not participate | Comilla joined in BPL 2015, after a hiatus |
| 2015 | Champions | Won the title in an iconic final against Rajshahi Kings |
| 2016 | 4th place | Reached playoffs, narrowly missing the final |
| 2017 | 3rd place | Finished in the top 3 but fell short in the playoffs |
| 2018 | 3rd place | Reached the playoffs again but were knocked out in the knockout stage |
| 2019 | Champions | Won the title, defeating Dhaka Dynamites by 8 wickets |
| 2020 | Did not participate | Did not compete in the 2020 season |
| 2021 | 4th place | Did not make it to the finals but showed solid performances |
| 2022 | 3rd place | Another strong season, finishing in the top 4 |
| 2023 | Champions | Won the title for the third time, defeating Sylhet Strikers |
Impact of Leadership on Comilla Victorians’ Success
The leadership of Mashrafe Mortaza in their first two title wins in 2015 and 2019 was instrumental in setting the tone for the team’s success. His ability to lead by example, his tactical acumen, and his experience were key factors in Comilla’s triumphs.
In 2023, Imrul Kayes took over as the captain and led the team to their third BPL title. Kayes displayed remarkable leadership skills, managing to guide his team through pressure situations and ensuring that Comilla Victorians maintained their winning momentum.
Key Players in Comilla Victorians’ BPL Success
Over the years, Comilla has been home to some of the best players in BPL history. Several key players have contributed significantly to their successes, both in terms of individual performances and team leadership.
| Player | Role | Notable Contribution in BPL Victories |
|---|---|---|
| Mashrafe Mortaza | Captain, Bowler | Captain during 2015 and 2019 wins, key wickets in finals |
| Liton Das | Batsman | Match-winning knocks in 2019 and 2023 finals |
| Imrul Kayes | Captain, Batsman | Led the team in 2023, a crucial part of the title win |
| Mahmudullah | All-rounder | Key role in 2015, both with bat and ball |
| Nabil Samad | All-rounder | Outstanding in 2023, both in batting and bowling |
| Shamsur Rahman | Batsman | Consistent performer in 2023, supported chase in final |
| Riki Wessels | Batsman | Vital contribution in 2019, anchoring the chase |
| Tanveer Sangha | Bowler | Crucial bowler in 2023, helping restrict opponents |
Conclusion: The Dominance of Comilla Victorians
The Comilla Victorians have undeniably established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League. With three titles (2015, 2019, and 2023), they stand alongside some of the most iconic teams in T20 cricket history.
Their success is a testament to the team’s ability to perform consistently across seasons, led by exceptional captains and featuring a range of talented players who have delivered match-winning performances when it mattered most. From Mashrafe Mortaza’s leadership in the early years to Imrul Kayes guiding the team to their third title, the Victorians have created a legacy that will endure in the annals of BPL history.
As BPL continues to grow and evolve, Comilla Victorians will undoubtedly remain one of the most formidable and beloved teams, with their remarkable journey inspiring future generations of cricketers and fans alike.