In the new year, India’s prestigious domestic season is back. The Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season commenced on January 5. All the states are trying hard to lift the prestigious trophy. But in between that, the Cricket Association of Bengal is facing an issue with Bengal bowler Shahbaz Ahmed. That raises concern about the midway of the Ranji trophy.
Shahbaz’s Injury and the Ongoing Issue:
Carrying a lateral meniscus tear, Shahbaz Ahmed showcased sheer grit, scoring a remarkable 100 runs off 118 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinal against Haryana on December 11. Unfortunately, this marked his final appearance for Bengal, as he underwent treatment at the National Cricket Academy. Strangely, the communication between him and the state turned peculiar. Despite promising a return for the third or fourth Ranji Trophy match, Ahmed’s subsequent disappearance raised concerns.
Attempts by the Cricket Association of Bengal to reach him proved futile, with unanswered calls even from the president. Letters to the National Cricket Academy, where he is reportedly undergoing treatment, failed to yield satisfactory answers. Shahbaz Ahmed’s baffling silence has prompted the CAB to sound the alarm, leaving the cricket community puzzled about the mystery surrounding his absence.
President and Assistant Coach on This Matter:
The kind of injury, the Bengal pacer has usually takes 7 to 8 weeks to recover fully. But that time already exited. This is where the concern is arising over the matter. After multiple phone calls, the CAB officials were unable to reach the bowler. After that incident, he is doubtful about the upcoming matches of the Ranji Trophy.
On this matter, CAB President Snehasish Ganguly said, “ I don’t know what’s up with him. I had called him but he didn’t respond. I have also written back to NCA with some queries against its report. We are also cricketers and we know what injury takes how much time to heal. Shahbaz is what he is because of Bengal and he should also be there when Bengal need him.”
Bengal’s Assistant Coach Sourasish Lahiri also opened up about this matter. He said, “It is really unfortunate. None of us know anything about him. The president had phoned him and he didn’t answer even that call. I don’t know why he is doing this.”
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