4-day tourney for under-19s
With an aim of strengthening the country's Test circuit, the Bangladesh Cricket Board's tournament committee has decided to organise a four-day tournament for under-19 cricketers. The first edition of the competition is expected to begin in October and BCB officials are planning to make this competition a regular occurrence.
"We had discussed this plan with the BCB president and we already have a verbal agreement. If everything goes according to plan then the league will begin from October 15. There will be four teams based on the zones of the players.
"It is likely to take place at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium and the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong. We are considering Cox's Bazar as well," tournament committee chairman Akram Khan told The Daily Star yesterday.
It's a competition that, according to Akram, will help instil the interest of longer version cricket amongst the youngsters and by doing so will help the country's Test scenario.
"You never know. The future of Bangladesh's Test cricket might just rise from this tournament, if it takes place in an organised manner," said Akram.
BCB selector Habibul Bashar echoed Akram's sentiments.
"Personally I think this is a competition that should have begun long back. It is definitely going to help us. Some countries shield their younger players from the shorter format. They are forced to play the longer version of cricket. By doing so, players tend learn the game well and improve their skills," said Bashar.
Nazmul Abedin Fahim, national manager of the BCB's development committee, believes that the competition will expose the players to a first-class environment.
"At the moment the under-18 cricketers, divided into ten teams, are playing a three-day competition. The cream of this group will get to play in the four-day tournament. We will also have players from the national under-19 team here to further encourage the players," said Nazmul.
A number of steps have been taken considering the under-19 team this year. Former Bangladesh coach Stuart Law has been appointed the national under-19 team's technical advisor.
The junior Tigers have already beaten their South African counterparts, reigning world champions, both home and away this year and they have a number of series coming ahead. The plan of course is to have them well-prepared ahead of the under-19 World Cup next year, which will be taking place in Bangladesh.
BCB officials further informed that they are planning to host the National Cricket League in September this year and begin the cricket season. They might host a couple of rounds prior to the Australia series.