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Political Meddling Rocks Rajshahi Cricket As Mushfiqur Rahim Set To Switch NCL Team

Soumyajit Dutta

Mushfiqur Rahim wishes to switch team [Source: @cricket97bd/X.com]Mushfiqur Rahim wishes to switch team [Source: @cricket97bd/X.com]

A major crisis has engulfed Rajshahi Division cricket ahead of the National Cricket League (NCL). Shockwaves spread when BCB tournament committee chairman Akram Khan revealed on August 7 that legendary batter Mushfiqur Rahim, a lifelong Rajshahi representative, expressed interest in switching to Sylhet Division.

This surprise was compounded by a revolt from Rajshahi's senior players, including captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. They are refusing to play, citing a toxic dressing room environment and the controversial inclusion of batter Myshukur Rahaman in the preliminary 30-man squad, alleging undue political influence in team selection.

What Led To Mushfiqur And Shanto's Withdrawal?

The players' protest centres squarely on Myshukur Rahaman, 33, who hasn't played for Rajshahi since 2018. He faces serious allegations beyond his contentious selection. Players accuse him of failing to pay teammates from Brothers Union after the last Dhaka Premier League (DPL), despite signing them under a peculiar 'one-page agreement' stating their interest to play alongside him. Several players reportedly remain unpaid four months later.

Furthermore, players and officials allege Myshukur used political connections to force his way into the Rajshahi squad and influenced selections, promoting underperforming players while ignoring top performers from the recent first-division league like Sujon Hawlader, Emon Ali, and Shakir Hossain Shuvro. Senior players Mizanur Rahman and Sunzamul Islam were accused of backing him to secure their own spots, alongside the inclusion of Nur A Rayan Shammo, an unknown cricketer linked to a Pabna political leader.

Squad Selection Under Scrutiny

The squad formation process itself became a major flashpoint. Traditionally, divisional squads are built collaboratively between coaches and the captain. However, this year's initial Rajshahi squad was finalized and sent to the BCB without captain Shanto's involvement. 

Instead, divisional coach Shahonowuz Shahid Shanu, assistant coach Alamgir Kabir, Rajshahi Divisional Sports Association secretary A.T.M. Golam Mahbub, and Myshukur Rahaman signed the list.

Myshukur Denies Allegations

When contacted, Myshukur denied all allegations, claiming he was asked to help by the coaches and Shanto.

"For the last six to seven years, I wasn't given a chance to play for Rajshahi Division. This year, they told me to play... I was told to get involved in the matter, and the team was formed after taking consent from everyone involved in the selection matter. Shanto was absent from the meeting, so I signed on his behalf," Myshukur told The Daily Star.

BCB's Akram Khan confirmed a dispute over Rajshahi's initial squad list, which was submitted without full player consensus. Senior players objected, prompting a revision in consultation with the captain. The final 15-man squad will be confirmed after training and fitness tests, with Mushfiqur Rahim's team still undecided.