SPORTS REPORTER

Defending league champions Mohammedan have followed the example set by Bashundhara Kings by deciding to release five of their players for the national team 72 hours before Bangladesh’s Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong on October 9.

Javier Cabrera announced a 28-member preliminary squad yesterday, which includes five players from Mohammedan: goalkeeper Sujan Hossain, defenders Mehedi Hasan, Shakil Ahad Topu and Rahmat Mia, and forward Sumon Reza. The squad also features a new face, USA-based Zayyan Ahmed, who recently represented Bangladesh in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Zayyan, a 21-year-old left-back, has been under consideration by the coaching staff since joining the U-23 preparation camp.

The players will report to manager Amer Khan on Monday, although overseas players Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome are expected to join on September 6 and 7, respectively.

“We will release our five players 72 hours before the Asian Cup qualifying match in accordance with international regulations, as we need to continue working with them on fitness, team combination, and other aspects,” Mohammedan manager Imtiaz Ahmed Nakib told the Daily Star on Sunday.

Nakib expressed concern over the club’s difficulties during matches after releasing 10 players to the national team and U-23 squad over the past month. “Our national players sometimes end up sitting on the reserve bench and are unable to perform properly. Why should the club suffer after investing so much money in them?” he questioned.

When asked if a formal letter had been submitted to the federation, Nakib replied, “I have spoken to a Bangladesh Football Federation official to inform him of our decision. If they have further enquiries, we will respond accordingly.”

Mentionable here that Bashundhara Kings had released their players approximately 15 days after Cabrera called up the preparation camp for two FIFA friendly matches against Nepal last month. However, according to media reports, Bashundhara Kings will now release their players on time, as per BFF requirements.

Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu stated that they are prepared to release their players for the national camp but warned that they would reconsider if any club fails to release their players. “Our players will join the national camp tomorrow [Monday], as we have called off club training during the league break,” Rupu said. “However, we will reassess whether to bring the players back to their clubs if some teams do not release their players for the camp.”