The fourth edition of Bangladesh Cricket League, the franchise-based first-class competition, begins today concurrently in Bogra and Rajshahi amid concerns over an uninterrupted proceedings of the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Monday announced the complete fixture of the double- league basis tournament, but it was learnt that the tournament could be stopped just after two rounds.
Sources said national coach Chandika Hathurusinghe wants at least 25 cricketers in the national camp after the Zimbabwe series to help Tigers prepare better for the ICC World Twenty20.
If the BCB agrees to the proposal of Hathurusinghe, the BCL, which is
already without national players, will lose further colour, which is unlikely to make the franchises happy.
‘The way the BCB is organising the tournament, we must rethink if we will continue with it or not,’ said Uday Hakim, the chief executive officer of Walton Central Zone.
BCB’s tournament committee chairman Akram Khan, however, brushed aside any fears over the fixture and said he is unaware of any request of Hathurusinghe for more players in the national camp after Zimbabwe series.
‘So far I know the tournament will go as per schedule,’ said Akram. ‘I don’t know if Hathurusinghe requested for more players in the national camp. My only concern is BCL at the moment.’
In the opening round, Prime Bank South Zone will face BCB North Zone at Rajshahi while Islami Bank East Zone will take on Walton Central Zone at Bogra.
Teams will face each other twice and the one which will get maximum points will be declared champions.
Unlike the previous editions, there will be no final this time, said Akram. The final round is scheduled from February 16 to 19.
-With New Age input
