Defending champions Mohammedan Sporting Club signed up seven players including star all-rounder Sakib al Hasan through a commission as the player transfers for the upcoming Dhaka Premier League ended on Sunday.
Mohammedan did not want Sakib to face the wrath of Abahani supporters and signed him at the club tent, reportedly for Tk 30 lakh, the highest ever amount paid to a player in domestic cricket.
Sakib had joined Abahani last season and that too on a record money, but he failed to fulfil the expectation of the team’s supporters, who were hoping for a fourth straight league title.
His field placing in the crucial last game against Mohammedan cost Abahani the title and as an obvious outcome they reacted immediately. Some Abahani officials, who are also officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, overtly criticised Sakib and the player almost immediately decided to quit.
‘I had a better offer and this is a better place,’ Sakib told reporters in his instant reaction after signing for Mohammedan.
The new recruits of Mohammedan included two more players from arch-rivals Abahani – pacemen Shuvashish Roy and Muktar Ali – which officials hinted another reason for their decision for signing all of them by commission.
The other new recruits of Mohammedan are – Enamul Haque Jr (Gazi Tanks), Fariduddin Masud (Kalabagan), and Tareq Aziz ( Biman ). Team manager Fahim Muntasir said they will also sign leg-spinner Nur Hossain, who played in the first division last season.
Abahani also appeared at the bourse on the final day with all-rounder Mahmudullah being their
top hunting. Mahmudullah played for Mohammedan last season and has apparently replaced Sakib at the club.
Abahani also signed Hannan Sarkar, Taposh Baishya, Mahbubul Alam and Marshal Ayub. On the final day, Gazi Tanks Cricketers and newcomers Prime Doleshwar participated in the transfer, among others.
