BCB lifts ban on Mosharraf, Mahbubul

The BCB has lifted the provisional ban on Mosharraf Hossain and Mahbubul Alam, two months after the players were cleared of wrongdoing in the BPL by the investigation tribunal. Both players are looking to play in the Bangladesh Cricket League, which will restart in early May.

The decision comes three weeks after the BCB had decided not to involve the duo in the National Cricket League, as it planned to appeal against the tribunal's decision to hand the two a clean chit. But ESPNcricinfo has learned that the charges against the duo wouldn't have resulted in suspension, which supposedly prompted the BCB's legal team to suggest lifting the ban.

BCB's acting CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said on Sunday that there is no bar on the duo from participating in any tournament. "They are free to take part in any form of cricket," Nizamuddin said. "We have sought legal opinion and they suggested there is no problem regarding their returning to cricket."

Mosharraf and Mahbubul were among nine individuals accused by the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit for being involved in corrupt practices or failing to report corrupt approaches made to them during the BPL's second edition. The BPL tribunal, on February 26, acquitted six players and officials and only found an owner of the defending champions, Dhaka Gladiators, guilty.

Left-arm spinner Mosharraf said that he was happy with this decision of the BCB. "I am extremely relieved," Mosharraf told New Age. "I feel that the toughest phase of my life is just over. I am expecting to play for Walton Central Zone in the BCL. I was practicing and making every effort, still I could not play.

"It was really hard. At times the future looked very bleak, making me wonder what is really in store for me. I am hoping to go to England after the BCL and see whether I can find a team in Minor County. Though their season has started, still I will try to get somewhere."

Pace bowler Mahbubul was also satisfied with the decision. "I cannot explain through words how I am feeling. For the last one year it was quite hard for me because of the mental pressure that I went through. Socially it was really hard, as these days cricket is followed by a lot of people.

"I don't know about my immediate future as there are only a few games left in the BCL. I feel that probably I will be back with the Dhaka Premier League."