Right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed has been picked by Gemcon Khulna for the remainder of the Bangabandhu T20 Cup.
Khaled is joining the team as replacement to another right-arm paceman Shafiul Islam.
A media statement from Gemcon Khulna yesterday informed that Shafiul is suffering from back injury and has been ruled out from the rest of the competition.
Khaled was awaiting Covid-19 test result when this report was filed, following which he would be free to join the team.
With two wins in four games, Gemcon Khulna are at No 3 in the points table.
The team comprising big name players like Mahmudullah and Shakib al Hasan entered the tournament with big expectations from the supporters.
However as it has happened, Gemcon Khulna were found struggling in the middle, particularly with the batting department, despite being rich with experience coming from the top batters in the shape of Imrul Kayes, Anamul Haque, Shakib and Mahmudullah.
Gemcon Khulna assistant coach Aftab Ahmed cited belief in the team of a turnaround as the competition enters the second leg of the first round matches.
Shakib has taken two wickets and scored 41 runs in four matches Dhaka Tribune/Md Manik
Gemcon Khulna will take on Fortune Barishal Friday afternoon at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
“Cricket was at a standstill for almost a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of the long gap, it is tough to get 100% from the players. But still they are trying hard to return to form. We are doing well in the competition after first four gamesand hopefully will be at a better place after the remaining four games in first round,” said Aftab.
Shakib has been one player in Gemcon Khulna that all had eyes on.
The ace all-rounder is making a comeback through this tournament having completed a year-long ban imposed by the International Cricket Council.
Shakib in four games have scored 41 runs, batting at No 3 in two matches and as an opener in the other two.
With the ball, he has bagged two wickets in four innings but has maintained a good economy.
In the last match against Beximco Dhaka, Shakib gave away only eight runs in his quota of four overs, including two maidens.
“It is tough for him [Shakib] to be at the top of the game coming to the field after almost a year. There is no doubt that he is one of the best all-rounders in the world. He can make a comeback anytime and looks to be in good shape. Honestly he looks better now from how he was in the first two matches. I am hoping to see the better of him in the remainder of the tournament,” said Aftab.
