BCB to prepare ‘shadow national team’
Among a number of decisions during a board meeting yesterday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to prepare a shadow national cricket team named 'Bangladesh Tigers' in their attempt to have players ready to spring into the national team action at any given moment.
The board also found no evidence surrounding any allegations of intentionally poor umpiring in the ongoing Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division T20 League. An inquiry was made regarding the issue but none of the participating teams lodged any complaints.
BCB president Nazmul Hassan, speaking after the meeting, clarified the reason behind forming the Bangladesh Tigers.
"It has come to our knowledge that the players who don't get called for the national team… or if someone is dropped then they don't even get to practice. It's a major problem. Addressing this issue, we came up with a solution. We will prepare a shadow national team where players who are dropped from the national squad or don't get a call up for the national side will be included. They will practice year-round under BCB-issued local coaches who will be guided by the national team head coach," Hassan explained.
"They can practice and will receive all the facilities that the national team get. Basically, we made this decision because it happens that we chop and change players in the national team on a trial and error basis. That won't be the case anymore as we will have selected players practice for a selected position and if anyone from the national team fails, then only a player of that position will replace him."
It was also decided at the meeting that the annual budget for the BCB for the year 2021-2022 will be 260 crores. The board is yet to finalise the list of the central contracts for the national side. The list will contain 18-20 players and will be announced in the next 2-3 days once the Cricket Operations Committee makes a few final tweaks and changes. The board's AGM will be held on July 7.
However, a 22-member list of central contract for the women's national team has already been approved.
The board also intends to bid for hosting rights for one of the two Champions Trophy tournaments that will be held in the cycle from 2024-2031.
The board also announced that the tenure of the current selection panel, whose date has expired, has been extended till the next T20 World Cup in October-November.
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