Sabbir Rahman eager to make a solid comeback in New Zealand series

Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman has been called for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting February 13 and he wants to make amends to past mistakes and cement his place in the side. The 27-year-old’s inclusion in the side became a talking point since he was called into the squad despite serving a six-month ban.

The cricketer was handed the ban by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in September last year for off-field reasons, including a controversy related to the social media where he allegedly abused a threatened a fan. The BCB, however, decided to reduce the ban on Rahman and make him available for the ODIs against the Black Caps, reported Bangladesh-based Cricfrenzy.

Rahman’s ban was set to end on February 28 but was cut short on the alleged insistence of ODI captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who recently won in the Bangladesh national election. Mortaza was impressed by Rahman’s performance in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League in which he plays for Sylhet Sixers.

Sixers though failed to qualify for the playoffs. Mortaza though denied that he had insisted the inclusion of Rahman and that he had only named him as a possible option.

“Obliviously, this is a big opportunity for me. It may be my second chance. I will come back, try to be the old Sabbir,’’ Rahman told reporters before departing for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Bangladesh will also play three Tests against New Zealand after the ODIs that are being seen as key preparation for them for the World Cup.

No more looking at past

Sabbir Rahman, who has scored over 2,000 runs in international cricket since making debut in 2014 said he was no more dwelling in the past and focusing more on the future. He further added that he will do all it takes to pay back the faith shown on him.

The batsman also felt that his past experience of playing in New Zealand will help him play according to the conditions in the upcoming series. The BCB has warned Rahman of dire consequences if there was another disciplinary issue against him.

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