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The clubs will enter the final phase of the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League—which resumes on Sunday after the Eid break—with the probability of several key players missing due to national duty as they will begin the camp for the Zimbabwe Test series. 

The league had the first eight rounds before Eid when it went into a break on March 25. Each team will have three rounds before the top six reach the Super League stage, whereas the bottom three will compete to avoid relegation. 

Abahani Limited have been leading the table with 14 points from eight matches, as they won seven consecutive matches after losing the first one and are almost certain of reaching the next stage. 

Gazi Group Cricketers (second) and Mohammedan Sporting Club (third) both have 12 points and are only separated by net run rate. Prime Bank Cricket Club and Agrani Bank Cricket Club are the next ones with 10 points each. 

Mohammedan, however, are facing a greater challenge as their captain, Tamim Iqbal, was ruled out after suffering a massive heart attack during their last game on March 24 and had to undergo surgery. 

They need to find a new captain along with a top-order batter. Sazzad Ahmed, their manager, acknowledged that while it’s impossible to fill the void of Tamim, but reminded it is essential for them to make the effort.

‘We will take the decision once we all sit down together,’ Sazzad told the reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday. 

‘We’ve got the mentor, the members of the coaching panel, and the officials. I don’t think there’ll be so much change. No one can fill Tamim’s position naturally. But we’ll try to manage as best as we can,’ Sazzad added.

And as far as captaincy goes, Towhid Hridoy has been the front-runner to replace Tamim. 

‘We haven’t started the process yet; we’re yet to talk with the club. Today was our first practice session. We will know by tomorrow,’ said Sazzad. 

‘So far, Towhid Hridoy has a great chance. He has led the team in a couple of games when Tamim was out, so he has good possibilities. But it’s the club’s decision. The club will let us know, but Hridoy has the maximum possibility,’ he added.

A final decision on the new captain is expected before Mohammedan’s next match against Prime Bank Cricket Club on April 6. 

‘The league has been such that every game is important. We all know that. Every defeat pushes you backwards. We only have one option left—to win every match if we want to become the champions.’