‘Onus on BCB to respond to the new normal’
While the other cricket boards are finding ways to get cricket back to the field, the Bangladesh Cricket Board on the other hand is still in a dilemma over how to resume during the Covid-19 pandemic. Obviously, the coronavirus situation in Bangladesh is getting worse by the day, which has seemingly forced the BCB to play the waiting game. However, according to former BCB president Saber Hossain Chowdhury the board is lagging behind other countries when it comes to thinking outside the box to face the new normal. During an exclusive interview with The Daily Star's Mazhar Uddin, the former BCB boss spoke about various issues that the BCB should focus on in the coming days. Following are the excerpts of the interview:
The Daily Star [TDS]: How much do you think the Covid-19 pandemic would impact Bangladesh cricket as the Tigers were supposed to have a busy 2020?
Saber Hossain Chowdhury [SHC]: The impact is a global, unprecedented one affecting every aspect of our lives and Bangladesh is no exception. When the imperative is to save lives, sport is not the priority. Every board has and continues to suffer. Look at our neighbours India who are facing huge financial losses on account of postponement of Indian Premier League along with their international schedule. What promised to be a productive year for Bangladesh in 2020 has turned into a barren one. It's important for the BCB to think about post-pandemic world and how it will go forward.
TDS: What should be BCB's approach to tackle the situation?
SHC: Adapting to this new normal requires creative, out-of-the-box thinking as well as teamwork and collective efforts. The current one-man show and a set of hand-picked directors who are keen to outdo each other in saying yes to anything and everything the president says, is certainly not the style that will allow BCB to do so. I have not seen or read anything in the media that indicates directors are engaging amongst themselves on how to be proactive in this crisis, or for that matter with other cricket boards. In era of Digital Bangladesh, meeting virtually is now the rule, not the exception.
I suspect bilateral interactions, discussions and negotiations will now become more important and there is a distinct possibility that the more powerful members of the ICC will be driven by pure commercial considerations in finalising their calendars and schedules. The likes of Bangladesh may not feature in their priorities and this could result in even fewer international matches for us. Personal relationship and contacts as well as effective outreach and engagement with other boards are now more important than ever and BCB really needs to up its diplomatic game. Would be interesting to know for instance, how many times our board president has reached out to Sourav Ganguly during this pandemic and exchanged and shared thoughts and perspectives on the common challenges that all boards are now facing. Other than being president of BCCI, he [Ganguly] could well be the next ICC President.
TDS: Five series have been postponed so far this year? How big an impact will that have on the BCB financially? Officials said BCB has the financial capability to continue for the next four-five years.
SHC: Yes, we do have the reserves, a good few hundred crores I imagine, thanks primarily to our Full Membership of the ICC and the shares of global cricket revenues that we receive thereof. However, if we feel that we have the reserves and hence can relax no matter what, that is a foolish, unprofessional and unacceptable approach. BCB has to become more active and engaged than ever before and see how new revenue streams can be generated. Can we for instance go back to our Asian Cricket Council solidarity days and arrange some events that would financially benefit all of its members through broadcast/TV rights? Prior to achieving Test status 20 years back, remember we had arranged major international events in Dhaka such as the Independence Cup, Mini World Cup and even an Asia XI vs Rest of the World XI to commemorate ICC's Cricket Week.
Unfortunately, our ranking in the ICC Test table makes for depressing reading and will also reflect negatively on the value that Bangladesh represents to other Full Members when they are trying to prioritise their tour schedules and engagements.
So, the challenges that BCB now face are formidable and the extent to which the board can provide effective and responsible leadership remains to be seen.
TDS: How and when should BCB resume domestic leagues?
SHC: Before responding to the question, the critical question is how does BCB view our domestic structure. It is no secret that the domestic game has simply not been given the importance and priority it merits. It seems BCB has still not woken up to the fact that performing well at international level depends entirely on how strong, structured and appropriate the foundations of our domestic cricket are. I wonder how much of the time and space Covid-19 has provided has been utilised by BCB to reflect on the state of our domestic game and how it may be overhauled.
On resumption of the domestic league, obviously safety of the players as well as match and team officials must be the first and foremost priority. Unlike football, rugby and other field sports, cricket is not as much a contact game. It is important to have up-to-date technology and facilities and test the players regularly. If you have noticed, many soccer leagues around the world have already started and a few cricket boards are actively considering resumption of games by taking proper measures. As Mirpur is in a red zone, the board can think of alternative venues in consultation with the sports and health ministries and take overall guidance from the government. What is important is not arriving at a particular decision on resumption or otherwise but to be aware of all possible options and to be actively engaged to arrive at the right decision at the most appropriate time.
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