Mashrafe uncertain in BPL due to 'fitness issue'

Pacer Mashrafe Bin Mortaza is unlikely to play the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 tournament due to his fitness issue.  The former Bangladeshi captain played his last match for the national team in 2020. He has been continuing domestic cricket since then with questionable fitness issue.

In the last couple of BPL tournaments, he didn't bowl in most of the matches but played as pure batter. Mashrafe, a former lawmaker of the ousted Awami League (AL) government led the Sylhet Strikers in the last season, was drafted to play in the same team this time also. 

But with two days remaining to kick off the BPL, Sylhet head coach Mahmud Emon said that there is uncertainty about Mashrafe due to his fitness. "Mashrafe is still in our squad because he is the integral part of this team. It depends on the situation - how he feels, what is his fitness status. If he is fit to play or if the situation is good, he will definitely play," he said while talking to the reporters today. 

When asked whether they have been in touch with him, the Sylhet Strikers coach replied, "Talks are going on. But it depends on the situation. There are talks about the fitness status. Preparation is important." Earlier, the franchise informed that Mashrafe will play in another role if he is reluctant to be the part of the team as a cricketer but they are yet to clear in what role the former Bangladesh captain will play.

"Until he is fit to play, we think we will not consider Mashrafe. We will wait for him. It is his call. Whenever he says he is ready to play. Even then, there is a specific time. When there is no more time, then we will call another player in his place," he said.  It has not been decided yet who will lead Sylhet Strikers. The franchise coach said that the decision will be announced today. 

Except Mashrafe, the rest of the cricketers were in practice today (Saturday), he added. "All the local players were in practice. Except Mashrafe all of them were present. Even two overseas players were also present. Two more have already checked in hotel and the rest of the overseas players are on the way," he concluded.