Indian club recruits Bangla players

An Indian club Mohun Bagan has signed up Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal and Mahbubul Alam to play in the ongoing season..

Having already roped in Sri Lankan duo of Chamindaa Vaas and Tillakartne Dilshan, Mohun Bagan signed up Bangladesh trio of Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal and Mahbubul Alam, as the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) in their emergency meeting today allowed to field overseas recruits for the ongoing 2008-09 season..

Surprised at the recruitments of Sri Lankan duo yesterday, the state association put Vaas' arrival on hold, citing reason the CAB constitution is silent on the participation of foreign cricketers and, in turn, called an emergency meeting today to decide on the issue..

However, the tournament committee meeting allowed the participation of foreign players for this season only as there was no such rule in their constitution..

"In fact, during the last season, Kalighat had fielded Bangladeshi left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique in the AN Ghosh Trophy and there was no protest. So we decided to let go this season, provided the players are registered before the cut off date (January 15). Besides, the CAB constitution is silent on the participation of foreign players," tournament sub-committee chairman Prabir Mitra said..

He, however, added this was allowed for this season only..

"It will be reviewed the next season and there will be a rule on foreign players' participation." Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, signed up promising southpaw Iqbal, who hit an impressive 53-ball 51 knocked to send India out of the Caribbean World Cup..