Kent disappointed at Hasan’s recall

Kent has been left disappointed after Bangladesh Cricket Board decided not to release Hasan Mahmud for the final two matches of the County Championship. The Bangladesh pacer, who was in fine form, will not be available for Division Two’s last two games, dealing a major blow to Kent’s promotion hopes.

Hasan produced outstanding bowling in Canterbury, claiming 26 wickets in four County Championship matches. His performances helped Kent climb to third place in the Division Two points table. He also took four wickets in the Vitality Blast.

Kent currently sits just two points behind Northamptonshire, who occupy the final promotion spot. Durham has already secured the championship and a return to Division One.

Kent will not have Hasan available at this crucial stage. He had continued playing county cricket even during Bangladesh’s Australia tour and contributed significantly with nine wickets in the historic first Test victory against Australia.

BCB has taken the decision mainly to ease the workload on Hasan, a regular in all formats for Bangladesh, given the busy schedule ahead. Hasan is scheduled to feature for Bangladesh in the Asian Games quarter-final on September 28. Test series against Afghanistan and West Indies will follow, while Bangladesh will play all three formats during their South Africa tour later in the year.

Kent cricket director Simon Cook accepted the decision but expressed disappointment. He said, “We are disappointed to lose Hasan for the final push of the County Championship. However, we respect the decision taken after constructive discussions with the BCB. We wish him well for the winter.”

Cook also recalled Hasan’s overall contribution for Kent this season. He said, “The entire club thanks Hasan for his contribution of 30 wickets in seven matches across the County Championship and Vitality Blast.”

Kent will have two overseas pacers, Keith Dudgeon and Khaled Ahmed, available for the final two matches. Both remaining games will be played at home. Their next match, against bottom-placed Lancashire, begins on Tuesday, followed by a game against Gloucestershire.