Curtain on the BPL raises today
The speculation is over and it is now official that the Pakistani cricketers will not be allowed to play in the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament this season.
The curtain of the money-spinning tournament rises today with a colourful ceremony as the Bangladesh Cricket Board decided to keep the show on as per schedule despite the no-show of the Pakistanis.
The BCB had set a deadline of 10:00am on Wednesday for the Pakistanis to confirm their participation and but received no formal reply from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
PCB chief executive officer Subhan Ahmed made a phone call in the afternoon to confirm their decision, which was nevertheless, very much expected. Though it was a blow, the BCB refused to bow down and decided to hold the tournament without delaying it for a second.
It also took some pressure off from the BCB as it has now no moral obligation to send the national cricket team to Pakistan, who are desperate to bring international cricket to their country.
‘We have got a phone call from the Pakistan Cricket Board CEO, who said they cannot send their players in the BPL,’ BCB spokesman Jalal Yunus told a news conference. ‘Now we have to give a second thought if we will tour Pakistan.’
BCB president Nazmul Hasan said it was a challenge for them now to start the tournament.
‘There is no way we will delay the tournament for the Pakistanis. It will start on schedule and that’s a challenge for us,’ said Nazmul, with his jaws hardened. ‘There is no chance we will allow the Pakistanis now even if they change their heart. Maybe we will incur some financial loss. But we are not concerned about that.’
The BCB president said he was shocked with the attitude of the PCB, which was late in making its decision. Asked if he thinks Pakistan was trying to blackmail Bangladesh, Nazmul replied in the negative but added that he had expected something better.
‘I would not say it’s blackmailing. But they knew the tournament will start on January 17. They could have told us of their decision. I cannot think they made the decision so late despite knowing our schedule.’
Nazmul, however, insisted they have their alternative plans and the response is very good from the other countries.
‘We have our alternative plans and we are working on that. Players will come from five to six other countries. Hopefully all the franchises will get their replacements,’ he said.
‘This is not a challenge just for the BCB, it’s a challenge for Bangladesh and I just hope the franchisees will also realise it. We hope to overcome the challenge with everyone’s cooperation.’
The BCB president added that he is now a relived man as there is no hurry now to make a decision on the Pakistan tour.
‘I had the PCB on my mind only until 10:00am today,’ said Nazmul. ‘Now we will sit and see if we can send the team to Pakistan. There is no hurry for us.’
-With New Age input
