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Rediff.com  » Sports » Anger, dejection behind Bangla players' ICL exodus?

Anger, dejection behind Bangla players' ICL exodus?

Source: PTI
September 15, 2008 18:56 IST
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Perceived bias, soured relation with coach, insecurity and frustration were cited as reasons as 'rebel' Bangladesh players vehemently denied that it was the lure of money that triggered their exodus to the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Former captain Habibul Bashar said it was not an easy decision for him but claimed he had no option as his career was not going anywhere after he slid off coach Jamie Siddons's good books.

"It was a tough decision. I shed a lot of tears while deciding and I have many, many reasons," Bashar told The Daily Star.

"The situation was getting difficult for me. I wasn't receiving support from anyone. Even the coach's attitude was discouraging and I was in the middle of a lot of uncertainty..." said Bashar.

Left-arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain shared Bashar's feeling of being neglected and said, "They don't think of us, so why should we think of them?

"I wasn't enjoying my time whether I was playing for Bangladesh or not," he said, openly showing his dislike for the team management.

Opener Shahriar Nafees was equally disgruntled and said he would spill the beans soon and explain his premature retirement.

"There was a lot of anger, frustration and complaint behind this decision. I will reveal all of this in due course of time because I am no longer part of the code of conduct.

"I made it to the national team after working for ten years and I know, there's a lot of pride of playing for Bangladesh but at this moment, I don't feel good playing for the team," said the left-hander.

Nafees, however, said though he has received the ICL offer, he was yet to give his confirmation.

"I have been offered but I haven't confirmed anything. My main focus is education and I want to complete my MBA in the next one-and-a-half years," he said.

Wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh said the team management never allowed him settle in the side and made him insecure all the time.

"Why did they drop me if I was the country's number one wicketkeeper?" Dhiman asked, adding he was always told that his job was just to warm the seat for fellow-stumper Mushfiqur Rahim.

Asked whom he sees filling the void, Dhiman shot back, "There are lots of other players."

Six national cricketers are among the 14 players who are set to join the ICL, forming 'Dhaka Warriors'.

The rebel cricketers are expected to pocket close to US $200,000 each after signing the three-year contracts.

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