A sudden change has disrupted plans for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). A Pakistani cricketer has reportedly withdrawn from the tournament. This decision comes despite the player receiving clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The player in question is mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. He was set to represent the Chattogram Royals in the new season. However, reports confirm that he has decided to pull out. This news comes just days before the tournament is scheduled to start.
His withdrawal creates a difficult situation for the Chattogram Royals. The franchise relied heavily on his ability to take wickets. He was also expected to control the game during the middle overs. Now, the team lacks a specialist spinner. The management must quickly find a suitable replacement before the matches begin.
The decision is surprising because Abrar had already received a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The PCB granted this permission, allowing him to participate. Neither the player nor the team has provided an official reason yet. The sudden nature of the exit adds to the confusion.
Pakistan’s international schedule might be a factor. The national team has a T20I assignment in early January. This series is part of their preparation phase. The scheduling overlap creates uncertainty for players involved in both commitments. It remains unclear if this directly influenced Abrar’s choice.
In total, 16 Pakistani cricketers were picked by various franchises for the BPL. Fans are now waiting to see if others will follow suit. The availability of centrally contracted players remains a topic of discussion.
The 12th edition of the BPL is set to begin on December 26. The opening match features the Sylhet Strikers against the Rajshahi Warriors. Saim Ayub will lead the Strikers, while Sahibzada Farhan captains the Warriors. Despite this setback, anticipation for the tournament remains high.
