Mashrafe Mortaza is now facing serious allegations regarding his involvement with the Sylhet Strikers, a franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Claims suggest that Mortaza may have been involved in the forced transfer of shares and that he managed the team with a heavy hand, to the point of allegedly issuing threats to the owner.
These accusations were brought forward by Sarwar Chowdhury, a well-known and respected figure who lives in the USA. Mr. Chowdhury was the face of the franchise during its first season, motivated by his deep passion for cricket. However, in the second season, he found himself sidelined, which reportedly caused him significant distress and disappointment.
Such incidents raise alarms about the future of the BPL and Bangladesh cricket overall. Honest businessmen and investors might reconsider their involvement in the league, which could damage the credibility of the BPL.
Interestingly, just a few months ago, there was widespread public support for Mashrafe Mortaza to be elected as the BCB President. This highlights the powerful role media can play in shaping public opinion, especially when certain star players receive positive coverage. A few journalists are even believed to work closely with top players, promoting their image while downplaying controversies.