DHAKA, Dec 28, 2024 (BSS)- 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.