Hridoy's suspension deferred after technical committee review

Towhid Hridoy, captain of Mohammedan Sporting Club, will not immediately serve his two-match suspension in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL) 2024-25, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Technical Committee has decided to defer the punishment for a period of 12 months.

The decision follows the formal invalidation of a memo issued by the Umpires Committee on 19 April, which had temporarily affected the status of Hridoy's suspension. With the memo now declared "void and invalid," the original two-match ban has been reinstated. However, due to the confusion and procedural disruption caused by the now-nullified document, the Technical Committee opted for a deferred enforcement.

"In light of the disruption and ambiguity surrounding the initial communication, and after careful deliberation, the committee has resolved to defer the enforcement of the two-match suspension over a 12-month period," stated a media release from the BCB on Friday.

The committee said the decision was made to uphold the integrity of the tournament, maintain continuity of play, and promote a spirit of unity and sportsmanship across the cricketing community.

The Technical Committee also clarified that the April 19 memo had been found inconsistent with established technical regulations and procedures, and that any directives or decisions contained in it are not legally binding.

Citing Clause 14 of the General Information of the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) for the DPDCL 2024-25, the BCB reiterated that the Technical Committee holds the exclusive authority to amend rules, regulations, and codes of conduct upon referral from the CCDM.

The ruling means Hridoy remains eligible to lead Mohammedan in their ongoing campaign, though the deferred suspension will remain in effect for the next 12 months and may be enforced if any further breach occurs during that period.