The local cricketers were back in business after spending much of their time without any cricketing activities as the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s high-performance unit began its fitness camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday.
On the first day only 22 cricketers reported from the 32-member squad as some of them failed to report due to the political anarchy prevailing in the country.
‘We expect them to join us soon,’ coach Mizanur Rahman said.
The duration of the camp will largely depend on the start of the Dhaka Premier League that still remains uncertain after no settlement could be reached between the clubs and the BCB despite the assurance of the board president Nazmul Hasan two weeks ago.
Earlier it was announced that the camp will last from May 4-9.
On the opening day, the players were divided into two groups, with one group joining a fitness session and the other group going through batting and bowling practice at the indoors.
It was learnt that the BCB would like to continue with the camp if the Premier League does not take place in order to prepare the players of the Bangladesh A team that is expected to tour England in August for a bilateral series against the England Lions.
Promising wicket-keeper batsman Nurul Hasan was among others to welcome the initiative as it will provide the players with the opportunity to keep in touch in the absence of competitive cricket action.
‘Though it is not clear for how many days the camp will continue, still it would be beneficial for us,’ said Nurul.
‘It is always good to work in a group .We can at least sharpen our cricket skills as well as work on making ourselves fit,’ said Nurul.
Richard McInnes, the manager of the BCB-National Cricket Academy, who initiated this camp, is expected to join his charges today.
-with New Age input
