In an embarrassing turn of events, Durbar Rajshahi has been on the news for all the negative reasons as the world has now learned that the franchise has not been able to clear the dues of its players. The situation is so dire that the franchise even failed to secure hotel reservations for its players which landed the franchise owner into further trouble. 

Due to unpaid dues, the overseas Rajshahi players refused to take the field against Rangpur Riders last Sunday and the franchise had to field all 11 local players in their lineup. Surprisingly, the team managed to win that fixture by a meager margin of two runs. 

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BPL's reputation in jeopardy over non-payment issue

In a bid to swiftly resolve the issue, BCB has been compelled to take stern legal action against the erring franchise. The non-payment of players on one side, the franchise has also defaulted in paying hotel reservation bills that have landed the franchise owner in a new controversy. During an ongoing conversation with Daily Star, the BCB media committee chairman Iftekhar Rahman has indicated that the board will launch a legal investigation to resolve this pressing matter with urgency citing that BPL's global image is under threat. 

"We have to take legal action by any means now. The money has to be paid. Otherwise, BPL's reputation will be ruined. The violation of contractual obligations like cheque dishonor and other issues will be addressed and we will file cases for all matters, as per the merit of the breaches. The board has given them enough chances. But they have crossed all limits. They were given a contract. There are breaches of contract clauses. Until today, we didn't take any action but now, we will take all the legal actions against them."

Taskin's cheeky "Cheque Bounce" remark highlighted the franchise's grim issue 

After leading his side to a surprise victory against Rangpur Riders on Sunday, Taskin addressed the media and said that the franchise had paid some of the players on the match day. The payment was made in the form of a cheque and being witty as usual, Taskin expressed his concerns in a very hilarious way. The Rajshahi captain hoped that the cheque provided to him by the franchise did not bounce like a ball bouncing on a wicket. 

"When I asked [the overseas players], they said they won't play without money. I just said it's their call. What can I say, I am also a player. We really felt bad playing without the foreign players. We requested the board to play with local players. They allowed it, and then winning the game gave us some respite. We were given the cheque today. We will place it today. One can hope [it goes through]. If the cheque bounces like this wicket, we are in trouble."

Taskin lauds the popularity of BPL this season despite his own team's struggles

Taskin believes that the current edition of the BPL has gained a lot of popularity and is processing seamlessly despite growing allegations of non-paid dues. Moreover, he has led his side valiantly despite a lot of internal struggles as they find themselves ranked third in the points table.

On the other hand, the Rajshai skipper Taskin Ahmed has been in a league of his own being the leading wicket-taker in this competition with 24 scalps to his name. While they are certainly in contention for a spot in the playoff berth, they will first need to put their off-field issues to rest.

Taskin Ahmed Claims 7 Wickets for 19 Runs, Setting a New BPL Record

Taskin Ahmed's sensational bowling performance stole the show in the latest Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match, where he set a new BPL record by claiming 7 wickets for just 19 runs. His brilliant spell was a standout moment in the tournament, as Durbar Rajshahi dominated their opponents thanks to his exceptional fast bowling.

The right-arm pacer was in devastating form, dismantling the opposition's batting lineup with pinpoint accuracy and sheer pace. Taskin's ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments of the game proved to be the difference-maker. His spell not only restricted the opposition but also set a new benchmark for bowling excellence in the BPL.

What made Taskin’s performance even more remarkable was his control over the game. Despite the pressure of the match, he maintained a tight line and length, ensuring that the batsmen had no room to settle. His 7-wicket haul broke the previous BPL record, and the cricketing world was quick to acknowledge his contribution.

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The performance came at a vital time for Durbar Rajshahi, as Taskin's brilliant bowling effort played a key role in his team's victory. His 7 wickets, which included several top-order batsmen, left the opposition with no answer and swung the game in Rajshahi’s favor.

Taskin’s record-breaking feat has made waves not only in the BPL but also across international cricket circles, where his performance is being hailed as one of the most outstanding bowling displays in recent times. His achievement has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting fast bowlers in the region, with many expecting him to continue his stellar performances in future matches.

This remarkable achievement by Taskin Ahmed has added a new chapter to BPL history and is sure to be remembered as one of the tournament's defining moments.

The best bowling figures in BPL history!

Taskin Ahmed takes 7 wickets!#BPL2025 #Cricketpic.twitter.com/DmVdgNOA8O

— Abdullah Neaz (@cric___guy) January 2, 2025

Mushfiqur Rahim, Yasir Ali and Taskin Ahmed have returned to Bangladesh’s squad for the first Test against India starting in Chattogram on December 14, while left-hand batter Zakir Hasan has been given his maiden call-up. Mushfiqur had missed Bangladesh’s previous Test series in West Indies to perform Hajj, while Yasir and Taskin were injured.

Zakir, 24, made it to the 17-member side after scoring 173 for Bangladesh A in the first four-day game against India A in Cox’s Bazar last week. His innings helped Bangladesh A draw the game despite being nine down and on the verge of an innings defeat. Zakir, a top-order batter who keeps wickets, was also the highest run-scorer – 442 at 56.25 – in this season’s National Cricket League, Bangladesh’s first-class competition. “Zakir has been on our radar for the last five years,” Bangladesh’s chief selector Minhajul Abedin said. “He was in the High-Performance unit for four of those years, and this season he was the highest scorer in first-class cricket.

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Mushfiqur, Yasir Ali, and Taskin have returned for Test squad

He played a good knock against India A last week. It saved the game. Selector Abdur Razzak, with the Bangladesh A side, witnessed the game and it seems Zakir is prepared for the highest level.” Tamim Iqbal, who missed the ODI series with a groin injury. Mosaddek Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman were the high-profile names missing from the Test squad. It is understood that Tamim’s recovery could take until December 22. Which could put him in doubt for the second Test starting on December 22 in Mirpur.

Mushfiqur’s return, however, is a huge boost for Bangladesh. While Yasir comes back to the Test format after a long layoff following the injury he suffered during the tour of South Africa in March and April. The hosts have picked five fast bowlers in their squad. Along with the regulation three spinners in Shakib, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam. The real battle, however, will be for top-order spots. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque are out of form. While Najmul Hossain Shanto’s spot is also shaky after scoring just one half-century this year. The middle order looks stable with Mushfiqur, Shakib and Litton taking their usual places.

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the ODI series against India, which begins on December 4 in Mirpur, due to a groin injury. He is also in doubt for the Test series that begins on December 14 in Chattogram. Tamim picked up the injury during a warm-up match at the same venue on Wednesday. The first ODI will be held in Dhaka on Sunday. Followed by the second one at the same venue on December 7. The final match on December 10 in Chattogram.

Earlier on Thursday, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed was ruled out of the first ODI due to a back injury. “Tamim has a Grade 1 strain on his right groin which has been confirmed following an MRI,” Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said. “We will maintain a conservative treatment protocol for him for two weeks after which his rehab will begin. Unfortunately it means he will not be available for the ODI series and will be doubtful for the Test series.”

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Not a happy start for Bangladesh, loses an experienced player before the series

The BCB are yet to name a captain or a replacement for Tamim. They have however called up Shoriful Islam as a back-up for Taskin from the Bangladesh A side who are currently playing against India A in Cox’s Bazar. “Taskin is out of the first ODI and we will know about his availability for the rest of the ODI series only after another fitness test,”. Bangladesh’s chief selector Minhajul Abedin told earlier on Thursday. Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said. “We will maintain a conservative treatment protocol for him for two weeks after which his rehab will begin.

Taskin suffered the injury during a BCL match on November 20 for which he has been taking a pain-killer injection for the last few days. He has emerged as the bowling attack leader in the last 12 months after making a stellar comeback. But earlier this year, he was out of action for a few months due to a shoulder injury. He picked up the back injury during a BCL match on November 20. The first ODI will be held in Dhaka on Sunday followed by the second one at the same venue on December 7 and the final match on December 10 in Chattogram.