The front-runner for an extension as captain of the Test and ODI teams, Najmul Hossain Shanto, stated on Monday that the Bangladesh Cricket Board need to permit players to participate in international franchise-based T20 competitions. After Bangladesh’s disappointing performance in the just finished Champions Trophy, Shanto’s time as captain came to an end. He supports his position because he thinks it will pay off in the long run, even if it means sacrificing his sense of national duty.
Some of Bangladesh’s players selected by various franchises in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) are also anticipated to play in the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe at home, reigniting the debate among cricket fans about national commitments against franchise cricket.
The PSL and the Test series are scheduled to clash; the PSL will take place from April 8 to May 19, while Bangladesh is anticipated to begin preparing for the Test series in the second week of April. The dates of the two-match Test series are set for April 20–May 2.
Peshawar Zalmi drafted fast bowler Nahid Rana, while Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars inked Litton Kumar Das and Rishad Hossain, respectively.
However, because the PSL and Test series have conflicting fixtures, Rana and Litton’s participation is still up in the air.
Rana has already given a letter to the board to participate in the PSL, according to a BCB official who spoke to Cricbuzz on Monday. The board is anticipating letters from the other two cricket players shortly.
“Nahid Rana applied (for NOC) today while Rishad might apply tomorrow and we are expecting Litton will also do it soon and after they apply BCB cricket operation will make a decision in this regard,” stated a BCB official.
Najmul Hossain had expressed his opinion to reporters a few hours prior that players ought to have the opportunity to participate in various franchise-based T20 tournaments.
He emphasized that they will gain priceless experience from sharing the dressing room with players from other countries.
“I think it’s crucial to participate in these tournaments. Franchise cricket should undoubtedly be played, but the cricket board, coaches, and captain will ultimately decide whether these players may play in the PSL or remain and play in the Test series against Zimbabwe, Najmul told reporters on Monday.
“Our cricket players would learn responsibility and acquire useful experience if they begin participating in these international franchise competitions. It would be a fantastic learning experience to share the dressing room with players from other countries. In the future, I hope our cricket players will have more opportunities to participate in these competitions,” he continued.
BCB authorities emphasized that they will now be more selective when awarding national team players no objection certificates (NOCs) and will conduct a “qualitative assessment” to make sure players don’t play in dubious leagues.
“Going ahead, we will choose our NOCs more carefully. On request to remain anonymous, a BCB director stated that a qualitative evaluation—such as how much experience a cricket player may acquire by participating in a certain league—will take precedence over a quantitative one.
It’s unclear if things will get better in the future given the international schedule and the fact that few Bangladeshi players have the chance to compete in prestigious international competitions.
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