Rangpur Riders' GSL final in jeopardy as BCB recalls key players

Rangpur Riders, representing Bangladesh in the first Global Super League (GSL), have showcased exceptional form, securing their place in the final.

However, a looming crisis threatens to overshadow their achievements, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has instructed three key players—Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, and Afif Hossain—to leave the team and join the national squad before the final.

This decision could force Rangpur to forfeit the final match, scheduled to take place in Guyana on 7 December at 5:00 AM Bangladesh time.

Such a turn of events would not only mark an unprecedented incident in the tournament's history but also damage the reputation of Bangladeshi cricket on the global stage.

The crux of the issue lies in the scheduling conflict with Bangladesh's three-match ODI series against the West Indies, set to begin on 8 December at 7:30 PM Bangladesh time.

The BCB has insisted that the players prioritise the national camp over the GSL final.

Without Soumya, Rishad, and Afif, Rangpur could struggle to field a playing XI, as injuries have already depleted their squad.

Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out of the final due to injury, leaving the team even more vulnerable.

Tournament organisers had scheduled the final to avoid overlapping with Bangladesh's international commitments.

They had also allowed Guyana's squad members, who are part of the West Indies team, to participate in the final before joining the national camp.

However, the BCB has yet to adopt a similar approach for its players, leaving Rangpur in a precarious position.

Rangpur has proposed that the three players join the national camp immediately after the final, but no resolution has been reached.

Flying in replacements from Bangladesh is not an option due to the short timeframe, which leaves the team at risk of being unable to fulfil tournament regulations requiring a minimum number of local players in the squad.