Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful and batsman Sabbir Rahman have been overlooked in the players’ draft for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), scheduled to commence early next year. While Sabbir participated in last year’s BPL, Ashraful missed the previous edition as well. His last appearance in the BPL dates back to 2019. Also read: BPL Players’ Draft 2024: Mushfiqur joins Fortune Barishal with Tamim, Mahmudullah All six franchises have finalized their squads in the players’ draft, and none have expressed interest in Ashraful and Sabbir. Both players are currently distant from the national team, and their performance in recent years has not merited consideration for a return. Also read: Next edition of BPL to be held after general election As Ashraful nears the twilight of his career, Sabbir still has ample cricket ahead of him. Hence, being overlooked in the BPL marks a significant setback for Sabbir, who has represented the Tigers in 125 international matches.

Legends of Rupganj batsman Sabbir Rahman and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi manager Sultan Mahmud have been fined Tk50,000 each over an incident during a match of the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division T20 Cricket League Wednesday at BKSP. "An incident involving two players and a club official – on June 16 at BKSP – has been reported to the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM)," the Bangladesh Cricket Board said BCB said in a media release Thursday. The cricket board, however, did not mention what the incident was.  Also read: Sabbir denies allegation of racism against him by Elias "The technical committee of the CCDM held a virtual hearing Wednesday evening where Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi's Elias Sunny, Legends of Rupganj's Sabbir Rahman, Sheikh Jamal manager Sultan Mahmud and the match officials were present," it said. "After an extensive hearing, the technical committee decided to hand Sabbir and Sultan a fine of Tk50,000 each. It also warned Sunny," the BCB said. On Wednesday, Sabbir allegedly racially abused Sunny and threw stones at him during Sheikh Jamal's match against Old DOHS. After receiving a complaint from the spinner, Sheikh Jamal submitted an official complaint against Sabbir to the CCDM.

Bangladeshi cricketer Sabbir Rahman has been accused of racism by another cricketer Elias Sunny, an allegation he has denied. Both Sabbir and Elias had previously played for Bangladesh.  Elias is playing for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the ongoing Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier League, while Sabbir is representing Legends of Rupganj in the competition. Also read: Sabbir urges fans to stay home Elias alleged that Sabbir sledged him with “inappropriate” words during a match between these two teams last Sunday.  “He sledged me using some inappropriate words. I asked him if he knows the meaning of those words. Sabbir sledged me again, and we have some heated exchanges then. But it was done, and I have no problem with that,” Elias told the media after his club submitted an official complaint against Sabbir to the BCB. “The problem is Sabbir misbehaved with me again today (Wednesday) during our game against Old DOHS. Sabbir came to the field this afternoon as his team was scheduled to play another game at the venue beside ours. While passing by our venue, he called me using the word *** (a racist word). So I reported it to the umpires and my club,” Elias added. Also read: Bangabandhu T20 Cup: Sabbir eyes return to national team reckoning The secretary of Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Fayezur Rahman, submitted an official complaint to the BCB against Sabbir. BCB is yet to respond to the letter. While asked, Sabbir denied the allegation, but at the same time, he said Elias also misbehaved with him, and he will also inform his club now.

Sabbir Rahman’s fifty and Robiul Islam Robi’s five-wicket-haul helped Beximco Dhaka to secure a playoff berth beating Gemcon Khulna by 20 runs on Thursday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman has urged people to stay at home in this time of coronavirus pandemic so that the spread of the virus can be contained.