Participation of Pakistani players in BPL on hold, Sarfraz Ahmed released by Khulna Titans

Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has reportedly been released from the Khulna Titans franchise of the Bangladesh Premier League. The 2017 edition of the BPL is all set to get underway with 7 teams competing in the edition. A plethora of overseas players are expected to be a part of the roster this season. However, the recent developments in Pakistan cricket has left the participation of the Pakistani cricketers in the tournament on hold.

In a recent development, the PCB has asked all the players to participate in the domestic T20 competition this season. This will collide with the dates of the BPL 2017, which ends of December 12. Despite the fact that Pakistan’s domestic tournament ends of November 17, the players are still not sure about their participation for the second half of the BPL. This is due to the current talks between PCB and the Windies Cricket Board.

The PCB has invited the Windies team for a short series and if the series gets underway, then the Pakistani players will miss out on playing in the BPL. Around 20 players are a part of the BPL 2017 roster. However, with such uncertainty looming over their availability, the teams are considering replacements before the tournament gets underway.

In a major headline, as per the reports in PakObserver.net, Sarfraz Ahmed has been released by the Khulna Titans. Apparently, Sarfraz Ahmed can still hold talks with other franchises for limited participation, but that remains to be seen as of now.

Players on the roster

The other Pakistani players signed up for the BPL 2017 are Shoaib Malik, Rumman Raees, Imran Khan Jr., Faheem Ashraf, and Hasan Ali (all from Comilla Victorians). Among these five players, only Imran Khan Jr. is likely to be available for the entire BPL season.

Meanwhile, the Rajshahi Kings have signed up Mohammad Sami, Usama Mir and Raza Ali Dar. Chittagong Vikings have the services of Misbah-ul-Haq and Yasir Arafat. Dhaka Dynamites have signed Shahid Afridi, Shaheen Shah, and Mohammad Amir. Lastly, Babar Azam, Usman Shinwari, and Fakhar Zaman are a part of the Sylhet Sixers franchise.