Struggling Dhaka Premier League outfit Abahani Limited were desperately looking for all-rounder Sakib al Hasan to bail them out from their current precarious situation.
Sakib is presently involved in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament with the Kolkata Knight Riders but could be available for them from May 24 should everything goes according to their way.
KKR jeopardised their chance to qualify for the play-off round when they lost to Gujarat Lions by six-wicket in Thursday’s match at Kanpur.
It put them in a must win situation against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final match on May 22.
Should Kolkata lose their final match, there is every chance they will miss out the play-off round, which will open the door for Sakib to return home and join Abahani.
While every Bangladeshi will want the success of Sunrisers due to the presence of Mustafizur Rahman in their side, Abahani will want that more than anyone else.
The Dhanmondi-based outfit is currently languishing at the ninth place of the points table with just six points from their seven matches.
They lost their previous three matches, respectively against Legends of Rupganj, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Kalabagan Cricket Academy.
Abahani, who will face Gazi Group in the eighth round, must now win bulk of their remaining four matches if they are to qualify for the Super League.
The club hoped Sakib will be available for at least two matches even if KKR go all the way to the IPL.
Sakib’s presence is crucial for the side, which is struggling in both spin and batting departments.
Seasoned left-arm spinner Saqlain Sajib is shadow of his own self in the league so far while leg-spinner Jubair Hossain in inconsistence.
As a result, the club has to rely on inexperienced Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Mosaddek Hossain to share their bowling burden.
Shanto and Mosaddek are also producing runs on a regular basis, though they are unable to provide the spark Abahani needed to win matches.
Skipper Tamim Iqbal got a start in almost every matches but could not convert them into big innings with the national opener scoring just three half-centuries in seven matches.
Abahani official Jalal Yunus hoped Sakib will give them a much-needed depth both in batting and bowling department.
‘We are in regular touch with him,’ said Jalal. ‘If Kolkata [Knight Riders] cannot qualify for the play-off he will join us before the May 24 match.’
Jalal also added that they struck a deal with Rising Pune Supergiants all-rounder Rajat Bhatia for the next two rounds.
Bhatia, whose IPL commitment will end today with his side having no chance to qualify for the play-offs, is expected to join Abahani on May 23.
‘We would love to have him for the reminder of the league,’ said Jalal. ‘But he has some commitment in England, so he will play only two matches for us.’
Bhatia will be Abahani’s fourth overseas player in the current campaign after fellow countrymen Uday Kaul, Manvinder Bisla and Manoj Tiwary.
With Sakib expected to join soon, Abahani hoped Bhatia will add some strength to their pace bowling department, where they are also struggling.
Abahani’s problem compounded in the league as Taskin Ahmed is low in confidence while Abul Hasan lost his form just when it mattered.
They had an option in experienced Tapash Baishya, but injury ruled him out of the league.
Having no other choice, Abahani recently signed Shahadat Hossain after the Bangladesh Cricket Board lifted his ban.
Shahadat could make his debut for the club against Gazi Group on May 24 should he passes an impending fitness test
-With New Age input
