GSL 2024 – GSL final goes ahead despite Bangladesh asking Rangpur to release three players

Afif has an NOC until December 7, so he was eligible to play the GSL final. The NOCs of Soumya and Rishad, however, had expired, and the BCB had denied Rangpur’s request to extend them. The franchise was attempting to establish contact with BCB president Faruque Ahmed, who is on his way to New York.

With only hours to go for the GSL final, therefore, uncertainty reigned but the contest got underway as planned.

The tournament rules state that a team can field up to five overseas players and a minimum of six local players. Rangpur had said that they might have to forfeit the final if the BCB pulls away the three Bangladesh players.

“If they remain steadfast in their decision, Rangpur will have to forfeit the final match without even stepping onto the field,” a Rangpur Riders statement said. “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.”

The GSL rescheduled the final a few weeks ago from December 7 to 6 so that it doesn’t clash with the Bangladesh-West Indies ODI series. Rangpur were already without Khushdil Shah, whose NOC from PCB has run out. He has played three of Rangpur’s four matches. Matthew Forde, meanwhile, didn’t turn up for the tournament due to an injury.

This story was updated at 11.30pm GMT after the final got underway as planned