Having lost five of its players to the cash-rich Indian Cricket League, the Assam Cricket Association is keen to bring back the old guard. And what better way to start than by wooing back one of its best performers in previous years, Parag Das.

Stung by the ACA’s treatment, the former skipper had called it quits from first class cricket in May this year. However, Das has now made himself available for selection.

A senior Assam Cricket Association official told The Telegraph this afternoon that Das had a change of mind after he was persuaded by members who have been entrusted the task of fielding the best possible team for the season. They seem to have impressed upon him that he still has a couple of years left in him. But some critical issues remain to be resolved before a formal announcement is made.

“He was approached during the SP Barooah Trophy to reconsider his decision. He said in a letter delivered this week that he was available for selection since the personal problem for which he had quit had been resolved. It is now up to the selectors and the ACA top brass to take a call now,” the office-bearer said.

Das, who could not be contacted, retired before the announcement of the probables, citing a personal problem.

Sources in the association said the attempts were made even before the ICL-triggered crisis.

“If included, Das will add value to the team in the capacity of an experienced all-rounder. He gives us more options,” the ACA functionary said.

Das is considered to be among one of the best players of his generation to represent Assam and the east zone.

“But, sadly Das has not done justice to his immense talent. This is a good opportunity for him to set the record straight. He is not exactly out of cricket. He has to keep himself fit for inter-railway meets,” the official said on being asked whether Das was fit to return.