Before Rangpur's Final, BCB Seeks Soumya, Rishad, and Afif for Bangladesh Team

Rangpur Riders, representing Bangladesh in the Global Super League, have reached the final. However, ahead of the title clash, Rangpur is facing a squad crisis. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has instructed national players Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, and Afif Hossain to leave for Saint Kitts to join the national team before the final.

If the BCB remains firm on this decision, Rangpur may have to forfeit the final without taking the field. A lack of players could leave Rangpur unable to field a complete playing XI.

The final between Rangpur Riders and Victoria is scheduled to take place tomorrow at 5:00 AM Bangladesh time in Guyana. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is set to face the West Indies in the first ODI on Sunday at 7:30 PM Bangladesh time.

The BCB wants the three players to skip the final and join the national team camp immediately. This puts Rangpur in a tough spot ahead of their first-ever global club tournament final.

Adding to the woes, Mohammad Saifuddin has already been ruled out of the final due to injury. If Soumya, Rishad, and Afif are also unavailable, Rangpur will not meet the tournament’s requirement for a local player quota in the playing XI. Moreover, flying in replacements from Bangladesh within 24 hours is practically impossible.

However, Rangpur Riders have requested the BCB to allow the players to join the national team immediately after the final. Discussions between the two parties are still ongoing. Rangpur Riders are now awaiting a green signal from the BCB while continuing their final preparations under this cloud of uncertainty.