The Abahani-Mohammedan game in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) has lost quite a bit of its lustre with hardly any fans turning up on the ground for the clash in the recent past.

Bangladesh and Abahani captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged the decline in fanfare but could provide no explanation for it.

"Of course, we hope that there is excitement but yes, it's true that it's not as exciting as before. People don't come to watch Abahani-Mohammedan matches like before," Shanto told the media today.

"When I started out in 2015-2016, some fans would come to the gallery. Why the excitement has decreased, I actually don't have the answer. The players still feel excited about the game and the fans do too. I hope that fans would turn up like they used to do and support the players," he added.

Shanto was also reminded of a particular incident involving Shakib Al Hasan when the all-rounder kicked down the stumps in anger during an Abahani-Mohammedan match in 2021 after a leg-before decision was denied. It was perhaps the last time an Abahani-Mohammedan clash had a fiery vibe to it.

Shanto, however, was against such incidents taking place on the field even if it brought momentary excitement in what has become a very dull rivalry over the years.

"It's not the best of incidents, it's better that these types of things don't happen. I feel that the match every year goes on well and we hope there will be a competitive game tomorrow," Shanto said regarding that incident involving Shakib.

Both sides have ensured a place in the Super Six with Abahani at the top of the table with 18 points and Mohammedan in second with 16 points.