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MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2015
INSIDE
BFF forms committee to probe Saff debacle n Tribune Report Thank God for Mashrafe, the captain fantastic Bangladesh were low on morale. They had just been beaten by the West Indies away from home in the latter stages of last year. Under the captaincy of the diminutive Mushfiqur Rahim, the Tigers lost both the Test and ODI series in a convincing fashion while the solitary Twenty20 international was washed out. PAGE 26
Voges reaches Bradmanesque average Having waited until 35 years of age to win his first Test cap, Adam Voges has wasted no time cementing his place in Australia’s batting lineup by scoring a mountain of runs. With nearly 12,000 runs in first-class cricket, Voges long appeared destined to end up on his nation’s roll-call of outstanding cricketers. PAGE 27
I could quit United, says dejected Van Gaal Louis van Gaal said that he could jump before he is pushed after his position as United manager. While refusing to confirm whether he has received assurances from the board, he did state: “It is not always that the club has to fire me. Sometimes I do it by myself.” PAGE 28
Pakistan’s Shah suspended for doping Pakistan’s leg-spinner Yasir Shah was yesterday provisionally suspended for failing a dope test by the International Cricket Council (ICC). “Shah has been charged with an anti-doping rule violation on a sample he provided in an in-competition test,” an ICC statement announced. PAGE 29
Bangladesh defender Yeamin Munna warms up at the gym in Kerala, India yesterday ahead of their final Saff Suzuki Cup Group B match against Bhutan today BFF
Bangladesh Football Federation’s executive committee has decided to investigate the reasons behind the national side’s failure in the ongoing Saff Suzuki Cup. The decision came following a meeting at the BFF House yesterday. In that respect, the federation has formed a three-member investigation committee, led by BFF member Azmal Ahmed Tapan and former national stars Sheikh Mohammad Aslam and Mohammad Ilias. The meeting also decided to form another investigation team to probe the recent attack on the BFF House, allegedly by Arambagh Krira Sangha supporters, last Tuesday. Veteran sports organiser Harunur Rashid will lead the committee with Abdus Salam Murshedy and Fazlur Rahman Babul as members. The team was given three days to submit its report. l
Dejected Bengal Tigers eye one last hurrah
Mamunul announces decision to step down, Maruful hints same ensure my full support for them and give my media yesterday. n Tribune Report best as a player,” he said. “There are many players in the squad Talismanic Bangladesh midfielder Mamunul Islam has announced that he will step down as national team captain following their groupstage exit in the ongoing Saff Suzuki Cup. The Bengal Tigers will play their third and final Group B match today against Bhutan at Trivandrum International Stadium in Kerala which, according to Mamunul’s statement, will be his last game as captain. To compound matters, newly-appointed head coach Maruful Haque, who only took up the responsibility recently, has also hinted that he might not continue in his job following the team’s failure to qualify for the semi-finals. But with the Bangabandhu Gold Cup scheduled to get underway on January 8, the Bangladesh Football Federation is desperate to hold on to Maruful’s services, at least until the end of the tournament. Bangladesh began the Saff Suzuki Cup with a humbling 4-0 defeat against defending champions Afghanistan. The Bengal Tigers’ fortunes refused to improve in their second match as they suffered a morale-shattering 3-1 loss against Maldives. This is only the first time that Bangladesh have conceded seven goals in two Saff group-stage games. “I do not want to continue taking the responsibility of captain after the failure in the Saff Championship. I gave hope of championship to the people of Bangladesh but the reality makes for grim reading. That is why I am stepping down,” Mamunul informed the
who are capable of leading the team. I can
RESULT 4–1
India Rowlin 26, Chhetri 67 Lallianzuala 81, 90
Nepal Gurung 3
TODAY’S FIXTURES Bangladesh v Bhutan, 4pm Afghanistan v Maldives, 7pm
Mamunul has been serving as Bangladesh captain since the Fifa international friendly against Nepal in 2012. Meanwhile it was learned that Maruful, who is the only Uefa A licenced coach from south Asia, is seriously contemplating leaving his post. Considering everything, the odds will be stacked heavily against the Bengal Tigers when they face Bhutan today at 4pm. Bangladesh are at the bottom of Group B without a single point to their credit so they will be desperate to register a consolation victory and take some positives before they return home. l
How time changes! Bangladesh football team captain Mamunul Islam (L) and Maruful Haque are all smiles prior to their departure for Kerala, India for the Saff Suzuki Cup. However, both are now contemplating leaving their respective posts FILE PHOTO