The new Dhaka Premier League hit its first controversy in just its second day, when an under-prepared outfield at BKSP forced defending champions Victoria Sporting Club to share the points with Kalabagan Cricket Academy in their abandoned opening match on Wednesday. Victoria members are furious, as the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) did not move the match to another venue despite being fully aware of the BKSP venue’s condition. They have already accused CCDM of favouritism after the body shifted today’s match between Abahani SC and Cricket Coaching School from this BKSP to Fatullah Stadium.
In a letter sent to the BCB on Wednesday, Victoria demanded that their match against KCA be rescheduled.
‘It seems the BCB and CCDM are run by a syndicate of Abahani and Kalabagan,’ said Victoria general secretary Kazi Reazul Islam, clearly agitated.
‘It was a deliberate attempt against us, as they knew there was no possibility of a match at the venue much earlier,’ Reazul said.
‘If we don’t get a positive reply from them by tomorrow, we have to think of something else,’ he added.
The CCDM had changed the venue of the match between Abahani and CCS on less than one day’s notice, creating a huge fuss among premier league clubs.
CCDM chairman Jalal Yunus said that they expect to host some matches at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium starting from September 20, while some other matches will be played at the BKSP 3 venue.
‘Some of the matches can be played at the BKSP 3 venue, as the drainage system is better compared to the other venue,’ Jalal said.
Meanwhile, Mohammedan Sporting Club will start their campaign against Prime Dholeswar in Bogra.
Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will play against Kalabagan Krira Chakra in Rajshahi to conclude the first round of the league.
Mohammedan will be without their skipper, pace bowler Mashrafee bin Murtaza, as they decided not to risk further injury.
-With New Age input
