Chattogram Royals avoid further embarrassment

Chattogram Royals narrowly avoided further embarrassment on Friday by meeting the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) requirement of fielding at least two foreign players in their opening match against Noakhali Express in Sylhet.

The Royals included Pakistani top-order batter Mirza Tahir Baig and Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Masood Gurbaz in their playing XI, complying with BPL 12 bylaws that mandate teams to field a minimum of two and a maximum of four overseas players in a match.

There had been doubts over Chattogram's ability to bring in any foreign players after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) took over ownership of the franchise just a day before the tournament. The takeover followed the withdrawal of Triangle Services Limited, which cited financial constraints in relinquishing the franchise rights.

Sources said efforts are underway to recruit more overseas players for upcoming matches.

By naming two foreign players, Chattogram avoided a repeat of last season's controversy when Durbar Rajshahi were forced to play without any overseas players against Rangpur Riders due to payment disputes. On that occasion, the BPL Technical Committee allowed Rajshahi to field an all-local XI under clause 1.2.8, which permits exceptions for "valid reasons".

In contrast, Noakhali Express fielded the full quota of four foreign players -- Maaz Sadaqat, Haider Ali, Zahir Khan, and Ihsanullah. The opener between Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans also saw all eight overseas slots filled.