Whether it is the four-day format of the National League or the T20 format, Barishal Division has shown no improvement. In the red-ball format, they have finished at the bottom of the points table for the past three seasons. Last year, they also ended up at the very bottom in the eight-team NCL T20. On top of these poor performances, internal team conflicts have further destabilised the side. Now, the feud between Barishal’s two senior cricketers, Fazle Mahmud Rabbi and Sohag Gazi, has come to light—an issue that has left the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) embarrassed.
It has been learned that under the leadership of these two former national team players, two separate factions have formed within the Barishal divisional side. This rivalry was the main reason Rabbi stepped down as captain midway through last year’s four-day National League. Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam took over the role, and later Sohag Gazi led the side in the NCL T20.
The second edition of the NCL T20 begins on 15 September. Ahead of the new domestic cricket season, Barishal has once again been rocked by tension, with allegations of a senior player feud, internal factions, and favouritism in team selection.
BCB Tournament Committee Chairman Akram Khan has also received complaints regarding these issues. The former Bangladesh captain said they would give special instructions to the coach and manager to resolve the matter. If that does not work, the BCB will take stricter action.
It is reported that a section of the team has always been opposed to former captain Rabbi, with allegations of nepotism in team selection against him. Rabbi, however, declined to comment on the matter, saying he stepped down to give opportunities to younger players.
Even with Rabbi stepping aside, internal complications remain, especially surrounding the Barishal divisional side. As per regulations, the divisional coach submits a 30-man list to the BCB, which is then reviewed by the national selection panel before finalising the squad. However, sources within the Barishal team claim that captain Sohag Gazi himself prepared the 30-man list, sparking dissatisfaction over the inclusion of three to four players. Gazi has denied forming the squad alone, insisting he only advised the coach.
A decision on Barishal’s turbulent situation may come during the Tournament Committee’s meeting on Saturday. Committee program head Minhajul Abedin Nannu admitted the BCB is embarrassed by Barishal’s actions and believes their poor on-field performances stem directly from internal chaos.