Rangpur Riders Crowned Champions of GSL 2024
Rangpur Riders emerged victorious in the Global Super League (GSL) 2024, defeating Victoria by a commanding 56-run margin. However, the win wasn’t without its share of drama. Just hours before the final, there was uncertainty about the participation of three key players — Rishad Hossain, Afif Hossain, and Soumya Sarkar.
These players are also part of Bangladesh’s ODI squad, which is set to face West Indies in a series starting just two days after the GSL final. Despite concerns, the trio was ultimately cleared to play in the final, giving Rangpur the firepower they needed to claim the title.
Uncertainty Over Player Availability
The confusion began when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested Rangpur to release Rishad, Afif, and Soumya from the tournament. While Afif had an NOC (No Objection Certificate) valid until December 7, the NOCs for Rishad and Soumya had already expired. Rangpur’s request for an extension was initially denied, leaving the team’s participation in the final hanging in the balance.
With just hours to go before the final, Rangpur Riders were still unsure if they would be able to field a full team. The franchise attempted to contact BCB president Faruque Ahmed, who was en route to New York at the time.
Tense Build-up to the Final
Rangpur Riders faced Victoria in the much-anticipated GSL final at Providence, Guyana, on December 6. The timing of the match had already been adjusted to avoid a clash with Bangladesh’s ODI series against West Indies, which starts on December 8 in St Kitts.
Without Rishad, Afif, and Soumya, Rangpur faced the risk of forfeiting the final due to a shortage of players. According to GSL rules, teams must field at least six local players and no more than five overseas players. Rangpur’s statement highlighted the potential embarrassment for Bangladesh cricket, calling it a “rare and unfortunate” situation for a team to miss a final due to player unavailability.
Rangpur Riders’ statement:
“If the BCB remains firm in its decision, Rangpur will have to forfeit the final match without even stepping onto the field. Such an incident would tarnish Bangladesh cricket’s reputation on the global stage, as it is extremely rare for a team to miss a final due to a player shortage.”
How Rangpur Riders Won the GSL Final
Once the match was confirmed, Rangpur Riders put on a stellar performance. Soumya Sarkar played a sensational innings, scoring 86 runs off just 54 balls. He was well-supported by Steven Taylor, who smashed 68 runs from 49 balls. Their efforts powered Rangpur to a strong total of 178/3 in their allotted 20 overs.
Victoria struggled in their chase, crumbling under the pressure of a solid bowling attack. Rangpur’s bowlers bowled out Victoria for just 122 in 18.1 overs, securing a comfortable 56-run victory.
Key performances that contributed to the win:
- Soumya Sarkar: 86 runs (54 balls)
- Steven Taylor: 68 runs (49 balls)
Challenges Rangpur Faced Before the Final
The road to the GSL final was not smooth for Rangpur Riders. In addition to the uncertainty about their Bangladeshi players, they also had to deal with the absence of key international players.
- Khushdil Shah: The Pakistani all-rounder, who had played in three of Rangpur’s four matches, was unavailable due to the expiry of his NOC from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
- Matthew Forde: Another key player, Forde, missed the tournament entirely due to injury.
Despite these challenges, Rangpur Riders showcased their resilience and team spirit, producing an inspiring performance that secured them the GSL 2024 title.
Final Thoughts
Rangpur Riders’ victory in the GSL 2024 final will be remembered as a testament to their determination and grit. Despite the chaos surrounding player availability, they held their nerve and delivered a dominant performance. Soumya Sarkar and Steven Taylor were the heroes of the night, while the entire team displayed unity and resolve.
The win also reflects the importance of clear coordination between cricket boards and franchise teams. While the BCB’s stance on releasing players caused last-minute tension, Rangpur’s ability to overcome adversity showcased the professionalism and maturity of the team.
This victory not only brought glory to the Rangpur Riders but also highlighted the depth of Bangladesh cricket, as local players played a vital role in an international tournament.
