Banned Bangladesh batsman Mohammad Ashraful, who has been eyeing an international comeback, has received a huge blow from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Chief selector Minhajul Abedin has ruled out Ashraful’s return until he proves his fitness.
Speaking to media personnel on Sunday, Abedin stated that Ashraful, whose 5-year ban is ending on August 13, is not in the national selection panel’s plans. He said, “At the moment there is no place for him in the national team.”
“We maintain high standards [of] fitness for the national team, along with high performance and Bangladesh A team. To attain that level of fitness he needs to be given some time and only if he achieves it, we can think about him. But, as of now, we are not thinking about him anywhere,” he added.
The 34-year-old cricketer was suspended for five years from international cricket and three years from the domestic circuit for his involvement in match and spot-fixing in the 2013 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
However, in 2016, the board allowed him to play domestic cricket. In past two seasons, Ashraful scored five List A centuries at an average of 47.83, and in 13 first-class games, he’s averaged 21.85 with one century.