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

Rangpur Riders won the Global Super League, beating Victoria by 56 runs after much uncertainty over their participation in the final.

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

Therefore, with just a few hours to go until the GSL final, uncertainty reigned, but the competition went ahead as planned. Rangpur amassed 178 for 3, thanks to Soumya’s 54-ball 86 and Steven Taylor’s 49-ball 68. Victoria, in response, were bowled out for just 122 in 18.1 overs.

The tournament rules establish that a team can field up to five foreign players and a minimum of six local players. Rangpur had said that they might lose the final if the BCB withdraws the three Bangladesh players.

“If they remain firm in their decision, Rangpur will have to lose the final match without even stepping on the field,” a statement from the Rangpur Riders read. “Such an incident would certainly tarnish the reputation of Bangladesh cricket on the world stage as it is extremely rare for a team to miss out on a final due to a shortage of players.

“Furthermore, in the GSL, Rangpur not only represents itself 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 7-6 so that it does not clash with the Bangladesh-West Indies ODI series. Rangpur was now without Khushdil Shah, whose PCB NOC was depleted. He has played three of Rangpur’s four matches. Matthew Forde, for his part, did not appear at the tournament due to injury.

This story was updated at 14:40 pm GMT after Rangpur won the final.