Chattogram eying replacement following Rossington setback

Dhaka, 14 Jan - Chattogram Royals team director Habibul Bashar Sumon revealed that the franchise is in discussions with Pakistan's Mohammad Haris to replace injured opener Adam Rossington ahead of the playoffs of the  Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Rossington was a key performer for the Royals, scoring 258 runs in six 
matches and playing a vital role in helping the side secure a place in the 
playoffs. However, he was forced to leave the tournament due to injury.

Chattogram Royals are currently being run by the Bangladesh Cricket Board 
(BCB) after the original owner relinquished ownership just before the start 
of the BPL.

"The way Rossington used to bat, our batting revolved around him. Naim Sheikh 
also felt comfortable having him at the other end," Bashar told reporters 
here today. "His absence is a big blow for us, but we don't have any option 
other than looking for alternatives."

"We tried several big players including Tom Latham and Phil Salt, but they 
are not available at the moment. Right now, we are talking to Mohammad Haris, 
Pakistan's opening batter and wicketkeeper. The talks have progressed quite a 
bit and hopefully Haris will join us," he added.

Bashar also assured that the players of Chattogram Royals will not face any 
issues regarding their salaries, as the BCB is handling the payments.

"We are very satisfied. The BCB is paying the salaries of the Chattogram 
Royals players. There is a lot of paperwork involved," he said.

"When the owner pays directly, the money is available immediately. But 
through the BCB there are several processes, including banking transactions. 
We cannot pay in cash, so it takes some time. However, the players know that 
they will definitely receive their payments."BSS