The disappearance of Bengal and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) star all-rounder, Shahbaz Ahamad, has cast a dark cloud over former’s Ranji Trophy 2024 campaign. Whispers of unanswered calls, vague recovery timelines, and a growing sense of frustration fill the air at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
Shabaz Ahamad, nursing a meniscus tear, played heroically in Bengal’s Vijay Hazare quarterfinal defeat, but that seems to be a distant memory. He reportedly promised a return by the third or fourth Ranji Trophy match, but has since vanished from communication, prompting the CAB to raise the alarm.
His silence is deafening, extending to unanswered calls from the president himself. Letters to the National Cricket Academy, where Shabaz Ahamad is supposedly undergoing treatment, haven’t provided satisfactory answers either. The president, Snehasish Ganguly, expressed his disappointment, stating to Sportskeeda, “We are also cricketers and know injury timelines. Shahbaz owes his career to Bengal. He should be there when we need him.”
Shahbaz Ahamad vanishing act
Assistant coach Sourasish Lahiri echoes the sentiment, calling the situation “unfortunate” and highlighting the president’s unanswered calls.
This vanishing act couldn’t come at a worse time for Bengal. With four crucial league matches remaining, Shabaz Ahamad absence leaves a gaping hole in their lineup. He was traded from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the upcoming IPL 2024, adding further fuel to the speculation.
Rumors now swirl that Shabaz Ahamad might miss the entire Ranji Trophy season, a devastating blow to Bengal’s title aspirations. Their current fifth position in Group B hangs precariously, casting doubt on their playoff chances.
Shahbaz Ahamad enigmatic silence leaves more questions than answers. Is he truly injured? Is there another story waiting to unfold? Whatever the reason, his absence leaves Bengal in the lurch, their Ranji dreams fading with each passing unanswered call.
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