Rangpur Riders at risk of forfeiting GSL final

Rangpur Riders look uncertain to take part in the final of the Global Super League's inaugural edition as Bangladesh Cricket Board asked them to released their three cricketers – Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain and Rishad Hossain – to join the ODI squad ahead of the three-match series against West Indies.

Rangpur Riders beat Lahore Qalandars by 23 runs on DLS method in a rain-shortened game to book their berth in the final, scheduled against Cricket Victoria on December 6.

The board had allowed the local players to play till the end of group stage and now asked Rangpur Riders to release the trio for the West Indies ODIs, scheduled from December 8. Rider's official asked the board for an allowance to retain the players for the final.

According to the tournament by-laws, each team will have to field seven local cricketers from their respective country. In the current situation, Rangpur will face difficulty to field their playing XI.

"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.

"Moreover, in the GSL, Rangpur is not just representing themselves but the entire nation of Bangladesh. Therefore, such an unfortunate event would be deeply disappointing for cricket enthusiasts as well,"