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The Rangpur Riders, one of the standout teams in the inaugural Global Super League (GSL), are facing the possibility of forfeiting the tournament final after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanded the release of three key players for national duty.
The BCB has instructed the Riders to release Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, and Rishad Hossain to join the Bangladesh ODI squad ahead of their three-match series against the West Indies, starting December 8. The GSL final is scheduled for December 6, where Rangpur is set to face Cricket Victoria.
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Riders Request Retention of Players
Rangpur Riders, who secured their place in the final with a 23-run DLS victory over Lahore Qalandars, had previously been allowed to retain their local players until the end of the group stage. The team has now requested the BCB for an exception to keep the trio through the final.
Tournament By-Laws Pose a Challenge
According to GSL regulations, teams are required to field at least seven local players from their respective nations in the playing XI. Without the three Bangladeshi players, Rangpur will struggle to meet this requirement, leaving them unable to field a complete team.
In a strongly worded statement, the Riders expressed their concerns:
“If they remain steadfast in their decision, Rangpur will have to forfeit the final match without even stepping onto the field. 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 further emphasized that Rangpur is not just representing the franchise but the entire nation of Bangladesh, highlighting the broader implications of a potential forfeit.
Global and National Ramifications
A forfeit in the GSL final would mark a rare and disappointing moment in cricket history, especially for a franchise representing a nation with a growing presence on the global stage. It also puts a spotlight on the tension between franchise cricket and national commitments—a recurring issue in the sport.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the BCB and the Rangpur Riders, with fans hoping for a resolution that allows the final to proceed without controversy.
