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The Rangpur Riders’ participation in the Global Super League (GSL) final hangs in the balance after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) instructed the franchise to release three key players — Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, and Rishad Hossain — to join the national ODI squad for the upcoming series against West Indies.
The Riders, who secured their spot in the final after defeating Lahore Qalandars by 23 runs via the DLS method in a rain-affected semi-final, are now at risk of forfeiting the championship decider against Cricket Victoria, scheduled for December 6.
BCB Stance and Riders’ Plea
The BCB had initially permitted local players to participate in the GSL until the conclusion of the group stage. With the West Indies series starting on December 8, the board has called back the three players, citing national duty.
The Rangpur Riders management, however, has pleaded with the BCB for a special exemption to allow the trio to play in the final.
“If they remain steadfast in their decision, Rangpur will have to forfeit the final match without even stepping onto the field,” the Riders said in an official statement.
Challenge in Fielding a Team
Under GSL tournament regulations, participating teams must field seven local players from their home country. Without the three cricketers in question, Rangpur Riders would struggle to meet this requirement, leaving them unable to field a complete playing XI.
“Such an incident would undoubtedly tarnish Bangladesh cricket’s reputation on the global stage, as it is extremely rare for a team to miss a final due to a player shortage,” the statement added.
Potential Fallout
The prospect of forfeiting the final has drawn sharp criticism and disappointment from cricket fans and stakeholders. The Riders emphasized the symbolic weight of their participation, stating:
“In the GSL, Rangpur is not just representing themselves but the entire nation of Bangladesh. An unfortunate event like this would be deeply disappointing for cricket enthusiasts.”
What Lies Ahead
With time running out, the Riders’ fate hinges on the BCB’s final decision. If a resolution is not reached, the GSL’s inaugural final may face the unprecedented scenario of a team being forced to forfeit due to a player shortage, casting a shadow over the tournament and its organizers.
