Injuries and national team commitments have forced the franchise into last-minute changes, putting them under pressure even before the competition begins.
Team batting coach Tushar Imran confirmed that Stirling will miss the BPL due to injury, while Dickwella has been retained in Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad and has not been released by Sri Lanka Cricket.
As a result, Chattogram find themselves under pressure even before the tournament gets underway.
Speaking to Cricfrenzy, Tushar said, “Our discussions with Dickwella were almost finalised, but we ran into trouble when he was not released at the last moment. Stirling has probably pulled out himself due to injury. We have heard that he is carrying a minor niggle.”
Despite receiving an NOC earlier, Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed’s participation in the BPL also remains uncertain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to suspend his NOC, as Abrar is part of their World Cup plans and is unlikely to be allowed to play in the league.
On Abrar’s situation, Tushar said, “There is another player, Abrar, he hasn’t given a final decision yet on whether he will play or not. We are still waiting, as their upcoming series has left the matter hanging.”
In response, Chattogram Challengers are set to sign replacements for two of the three uncertain foreigners.
Meanwhile, South African all-rounder Cameron Delport is set to feature for them as the franchise is hopeful of having him from the very start of the tournament. Pakistani batter Kamran Ghulam has also been signed.
