'People around me don’t want me to improve': Sabbir speaks out on discipline row

Sabbir Rahman has often been at the centre of controversy throughout his career, with accusations of disciplinary issues following him like a shadow. This season's Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was no different.

After going unsold last season, Sabbir was picked up by Dhaka Capitals during the draft, reportedly at the insistence of team owner Shakib Khan.

However, the hard-hitting batter found himself sidelined for the team's first three matches.

Dhaka's head coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon later revealed that Sabbir's omission stemmed from disciplinary breaches.

"Sabbir was absent for the first two matches. He didn't attend team practice before the second and third matches. This was a team decision because he skipped the practice on 1 January, ahead of the 2 January match. It's entirely a disciplinary matter," Sujon explained.

The player, however, feels misunderstood.

Speaking to the press on 9 January, Sabbir responded to the allegations, saying, "I've been handling everything since I was young. I spoke with the coach; there were family issues. Perhaps he didn't understand. Internal matters like these should not be shared with the press. Since it's me, Sabbir Rahman, discipline always becomes the topic whenever anything happens. I try to set things right, but maybe some people around me don't want me to improve. They push me. However, I am not too worried. My job is to play and perform, and that's what I'm focusing on now."

Sabbir's frustration wasn't just about the allegations but also about how they were made public. "I believe it's better not to discuss internal matters with the media," Sabbir said pointedly, expressing disappointment over Sujon's decision to address the issue openly.

Disciplinary allegations are not new to Sabbir, whose career has been riddled with such controversies. Despite this, the player insists he is trying to move past his reputation, even if he feels others are making it difficult for him. "Whenever something happens, the topic of discipline comes up because it's me, Sabbir Rahman. I'm trying to improve, but maybe some people around me don't want that," he added.

Sabbir finally returned to the playing XI during Dhaka's Sylhet leg, making an emphatic statement with his performance against Chattogram Kings. His unbeaten 82 off just 33 balls included three fours and nine sixes, reminding everyone of his immense talent.

However, despite Sabbir's heroics, Dhaka Capitals suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, losing to Chattogram Kings by seven wickets. Reflecting on his innings, Sabbir said, "Personally, I feel really good. This innings has boosted my confidence."