All-rounder Sakib al Hasan returned home on Friday to join struggling Abahani Limited for their crucial Dhaka Premier League match against Prime Dholeshwar at BKSP today.
Sakib returned home earlier than schedule from the Indian Premier League as his side Kolkata Knight Riders were knocked out by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator stage.Sakib last played for Abahani, in 2009-10 season when he was blamed for losing a last-ball thriller to arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club, which cost them the title and relegated them to third place eventually.
Top Abahani officials then vowed never to include him again though they wasted little time sign him when opportunity came during players’ draft in April.
The return of Sakib looked to have come at the right moment for Abahani, who are in a desperate situation to qualify for the Super League, having lost four of their previous eight matches.
The popular Dhanmondi-based outfit cannot afford to lose any more game in a league where four points separated nine teams, with all having some kind of chance of qualifying in the Super League.
Abahani stayed in the race after beating Gazi Group by 32 runs in a rain-hit match that ended in two days. Abahani coach Khaled Mahmud hoped the inclusion of Sakib will give them some much-needed depth in batting and bowling.
‘Naturally his inclusion will be a big boost,’ said Mahmud. ‘Hopefully he will be available for the rest of the league for Abahani as we are desperately looking for his services.’
Mahmud confirmed that Tamim Iqbal will remain as captain of the side despite the return of Sakib.
Some Abahani officials had earlier expressed their reservation about Tamim’s captaincy and indicated that they could make a change once Sakib returns.
‘Tamim will be calling the shots,’ said Mahmud. ‘But that does not mean Sakib will not be giving his inputs during crucial times,’ he said.
Prime Bank Cricket Club will face Kalabagan Cricket Academy at Mirpur while Mohammedan Sporting Club will face Cricket Coaching School at Fatullah in two other matches of the day.
Today’s Matches
Dhaka Premier League
Ninth Round
Prime Doleshwar v Abahani Limited, BKSP
Mohammedan SC v Cricket Coaching School, Fatullah
Prime Bank CC v Kalabagan Cricket Academy, SBNS
-With New Age input
