Few had expected such a dismal face of Mohammedan Sporting Club. The popular Motijheel outfit, known for its glorious legacy of producing a winning team in whatever event they feature in, seem to have lost their way. And, much to the disappointment of their strong band of supporters, Mohammedan offered perhaps the weakest local selection for this year's Premier Division Cricket League.

Mohammedan lost as many as seven recognised players, including long-standing skipper Aminul Islam in this year's cricketers' transfer. It was, however, not that the players were reluctant to assemble under the famous 'black and white' tent, but reportedly the attitude of some of the officials drove them to strike better financial deals with other teams.

Mohammedan, who won the league title seven times since its introduction in 1974-75, are considered to be an institution in domestic sport alongside their bitter rivals, Abahani Krira Chakra. But for the last few years, success have eluded Mohammedan. They have finished fourth in the last two seasons and, to rub salt to their wound, they failed to win a single match in the six-team Super league last year.

The officials attributed the reasons for the debacle as 'lack of commitment on the part of the players' and have decided to turn a cold shoulder on financially-motivated players. But their ploy to influence the players with only the reputation of their big name eventually back-fired as Hasibul Hossain, Mehrab Hossain, Sajid Hasan, Parvez, Minhazul Abedin and Aminul Islam deserted them one after the other.

Mohammedan's shrewd negotiator, Tanveer Haider, known for his famous 'breakfast with Nannu' (Minhazul Abedin), was there during the bourse. Although there were looming speculations that Tanveer, after a successful in-house cleaning operation, will go for action in a bid to save the giants the blush, it never really happened. The outcome was obvious. Mohammedan lost most of their players but in return they found little to cheer about. Only left-arm spinner Mohammed Rafique stayed back to regroup the broken club with Morshed Ali Khan and an out-of-touch Selim Shahed.

An ardent Mohammedan supporter may still bet for his beloved team against mounting heavy odds, but on paper, Mohammedan have hardly a chance for an eighth title triumph.

The lull in the air is quite evident during practice sessions, where coach Dawlatuzzaman is struggling to find a playing eleven, and the few loyal fans the names of the new recruits.

``It is true that we will walk into the field knowing little about our strengths. But it does not make any difference. We have had the strongest team last season and you know the outcome. We finished fourth'', said Dawlat while talking to this reporter last Saturday.

Standing among the ruins Dawlat, however, looked confident to hone the new-look side to a winning force.

``We have a very good bowling side. Zakir, Sumon and Monju are quality seamers. They are wicket-takers and have the ability to really kick the ball up. Besides, with off-spinner Salahuddin and a persevering Rafique around, we have potentially the best tweaker-duo in town'', claimed Dawlat.

``Although our batting leaves a lot to be desired, Imran Hamid is a good opening batsman. Sumon is young but I think he will not be a bad companion for Imran to open the Mohammedan innings'', said Dawlat.

``Selim Shahed will bat at number three, followed by a promising Nasirul Alam Nahid. Wicketkeeper Murtoza is also a very good bat'', said Dawlat. But the fire-brand paceman of the 70's admitted that he needed a couple of solid foreign recruits to produce a good batting side. The club was working in that direction, it was learnt then.

``We are looking forward to our foreign recruits. If we can get two solid all-rounders, I believe Mohammedan will be a tough opponent to beat'', rounded off Dawlat.

Mohammedan might have produced a depleted side. But history is on their side.