Fast bowler Nahid Rana's rapid rise has added diversity to Bangladesh's pace attack, a factor that could prove crucial in their Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan and Dubai, according to BCB director Nazmul Abedin Fahim.

“He was outstanding in the BPL, consistently unsettling batters with his express pace. His performances will give the Bangladesh management confidence heading into the Champions Trophy,” Fahim, a respected coach, told BSS recently.

“Our pace department has been excellent over the last three or four years, and Nahid’s inclusion is a breath of fresh air. His raw speed brings much-needed variety to our bowling attack.”

For Nahid Rana, who has regularly clocked over 150 kph, the Champions Trophy will be his first ICC event.

His pace and consistency have already earned him high praise. While playing for Rangpur Riders in the BPL, he took 10 wickets in 12 matches. But beyond the numbers, it was his sheer speed that stood out—watching a genuine fast bowler send the stumps cartwheeling was a rare and exciting sight in this year's tournament.

After making his Test debut, Nahid earned his first ODI cap in the West Indies last December, where he impressed once again.

Fahim believes the confidence gained from the BPL will be invaluable for Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.

“We have a good number of local players who performed well in the BPL, and that confidence will be a big asset for us,” he said. “The sporting wickets in the BPL also helped players adapt, which will come in handy.”

“The pitches were well-balanced—batters could score runs, but skilled bowlers thrived as well. This was one of the BPL’s success stories. The batters gained confidence by scoring runs, and bowlers like Nahid learned how to bowl on such tracks. If he can succeed in these conditions, he may find the Champions Trophy wickets even more favorable.”

Nahid himself enjoyed bowling on the BPL pitches, despite the challenges they posed.

“When you overcome a challenge, it gives you satisfaction and confidence,” he told BSS during the Chattogram phase of the BPL.

“I enjoyed bowling on these wickets. They were batting-friendly, but if bowlers maintained the right line and length, they could still succeed.”

Nahid played a key role in helping Rangpur Riders win eight consecutive matches in the BPL. However, the team later suffered a five-match losing streak, including a defeat in the Eliminator, which ended their campaign.

Rangpur Riders coach Mickey Arthur sees a bright future for Nahid Rana.

“I think Nahid Rana has all the attributes to be a top international fast bowler,” Arthur said.

“First of all, he’s quick—he has pace and skill. But what sets him apart is his ability to use his brain alongside his speed. He knows when to use his skills effectively. I don’t see any reason why he won’t keep improving and become an exceptional bowler in the years to come.”

Nahid played 12 of Rangpur’s 13 matches in the BPL, and the relentless schedule seemed to take a toll on his young body. As a result, his pace dipped slightly toward the end of the tournament.

However, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons reassured that Nahid has regained his sharpness just in time for the Champions Trophy.

“He looked slower than usual in the last couple of BPL games,” Simmons said. “His run-up was not as intense as before.”

“But after Rangpur got knocked out early, he had some rest. In training, he looked sharp again. His pace has returned, and his run-up is as quick as it was during the Caribbean tour last year.”

Simmons emphasized that Nahid’s raw pace will be a key weapon for Bangladesh in the upcoming Champions Trophy.