Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders have made a stunning comeback to secure a spot in the Global Super League (GSL) final. However, their participation in the final is now shrouded in uncertainty. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has instructed three national team players—Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, and Afif Hossain—to report for the ODI series against the West Indies ahead of the final, leaving Rangpur struggling to field a proper playing XI.

The much-anticipated ODI series between Bangladesh and the West Indies is set to commence on December 8, while the GSL final is scheduled for December 7. Initially, the understanding was that players could join the national team immediately after the final. However, the BCB's latest directive to have the players join the squad beforehand has left Rangpur Riders in a precarious position.

The Riders’ management has voiced concerns, highlighting the potential impact on their team composition. Losing these key players ahead of the final could lead to a walkover for their Australian opponents, Victoria, which would not only hurt Rangpur’s campaign but also tarnish Bangladesh’s image in global cricket.

Rangpur Riders already face significant hurdles. National team all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out due to injury, leaving the team further depleted. With limited time, the Riders cannot fly in replacements from Bangladesh to fulfill the local player quota mandated by the league.

The team has emphasized that the GSL organizers scheduled the final on December 7 specifically to avoid conflict with the ODI series. The same consideration was extended to West Indies players participating in the league for the Guyana franchise.

Rangpur Riders have assured the BCB that the national players will join the ODI squad immediately after the final. The team has requested flexibility, arguing that accommodating these players for the final would benefit not just the franchise but also the nation’s cricketing reputation. However, the matter remains unresolved as discussions between the two parties continue.

With time running out, the fate of Rangpur Riders in the GSL final hangs in the balance. Fans eagerly await a resolution that ensures both Bangladesh’s national interests and Rangpur’s hard-earned place in the final are respected.