Mohammad Ashraful will be eligible to play international cricket once his five-year ban ends on Monday (August 13). He resumed playing in the domestic circuit in 2016, after serving a three-year suspension.

Ashraful’s coach, Wahidul Gani, believes that his disciple has to do something extraordinary in order to return to the national side.

He said: “Everything will depend on Ashraful's performance in coming days. If he does something special, he could get a lifeline for his international career. You have to think about the board's policy on calling him as well.”

The right-handed batsman was in great form in the Dhaka Premier League last season, although his team (Kalabagan Krira Chakra) got relegated to the Dhaka First Division Cricket League. He belted five centuries in 13 matches, and yet his consistency was questioned by Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin, as the right-hander averaged only 15.83 in the other eight innings. Abedin had also said that Ashraful will have to prove himself in the BPL and the BCL.

Gani, too, thinks it will be tough for Ashraful to return to the national team, as he is behind the national cricketers, in terms of fitness.

“It won’t be easy for Ashraful to get an international call-up. He is far behind those who are playing for the Bangladesh team. Fitness can be the main concern for him. But it is not impossible for him, if he tries his best,” said Ashraful’s coach.