IPL 2024: Uncertainty looms over availability of Bangladesh players for full season

As the excitement builds up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction on December 19, the fate of three Bangladeshi pacers hangs in the balance. Taskin Ahmed, along with Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam, are gearing up for the auction, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is yet to make a call on whether they will release these players for the full IPL season.

With Mustafizur holding a base price of INR 2 Crore, and Taskin and Shoriful at INR 75 Lakh and INR 50 Lakh respectively, their participation in the IPL remains uncertain. The BCB is carefully weighing the decision, considering potential conflicts with the national team’s schedule and the upcoming World T20.

“If the IPL conflicts with our national team in that case their (cricketers picked in the IPL players auction) chances are very slim to play the full tournament. Furthermore, there is World T20 in June and we want to be careful in handling them as we need to think about their injury management and for that reason, we want to take steps by taking everything into consideration,” BCB Cricket Operation Chairman Jalal Yunus emphasized the board’s cautious approach to Cricbuzz.

Cloud of doubts over Taskin Ahmed’s availability for full season of IPL 2024

Notably, the IPL 2024 is slated to kick off on March 24, next year, clashes with Bangladesh’s home series against Sri Lanka, leading to a scheduling dilemma for the cricket board. The BCB aims to ensure the careful management of their premier players, in a bid to balance their commitments to both national and franchise cricket.

Yunus also pointed out that Taskin Ahmed, if not picked due to unavailability for the entire season, would face disappointment once again. In IPL 2022, Taskin missed out on an opportunity to play for Lucknow Super Giants as the BCB did not release him, despite the franchise’s interest.

The BCB’s cautious stance is not unusual, with past instances of denying NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for various cricketing events. Taskin’s earlier refusal of an offer from Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League and denial of an English County stint last season indicate the board’s commitment to prioritizing national interests and player well-being.