Dhaka Warriors in ICL
Photo: AFP
The recent drama with the cricketers and the BCB officials regarding ICL is creating a huge controversy. I have got mixed feelings about the whole issue as I see strong points both in favour and against these players. I will try to share my points of view and concerns which are solely my personal opinion. I don't expect everyone or anyone to agree with me; I am just trying to bring a different perspective into the issue: Why call them rebels? These cricketers have already been termed as 'Rebel' cricketers. But before giving them such a harsh title, we must understand that the so called rebel cricketers will represent Bangladesh in ICL. Millions of viewers around the world will be watching them and any good performance by them will bring laurels for our country. The national cricket team's consistent dismal performance is forcing the cricket pundits to consider a League B of international teams consisting of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. If that happens, then Bangladesh will slip away from the international scene for some time as no one will be interested to watch them play in that league. The problem actually lies with two groups in India, both of whom are actually trying to bring a new dimension to cricket as an entertainment by injecting a lot of money and also by giving opportunities to young talents in their own country along with some international players. IPL is headed by Lolit Modi and ICL by Kapil Dev. The lack of agreement between these two parties has created this mess. It's a very tricky situation - The Indian Cricket Board has given its nod to IPL, while ICL did not get the recognition. On the other hand, ICC has given a green light to IPL but quite diplomatically has not banned anyone from taking part in ICL. They are saying that the countries will decide individually regarding their players taking part in ICL. If we take away the tussle of power between the two parties, then what difference does it make if a player takes part in IPL or ICL? Having said all of this above, I do feel that the cricketers in question may not have handled the situation smartly. First of all, they should have discussed this with the BCB officials and asked for advice. Since ICC does not ban anyone from playing in ICL, I am sure a solution could have been found. Secondly, the decision to retire from international cricket was poor. By their own admission, BCB did come to know about the ICL offers sometime back and did noting about it. Either they were ignorant or they underestimated our players. This is the first time in our sports, be it football or cricket or any other major sports, that anyone has ever taken such a bold step. BCB officials may have been taken by surprise by the players' decision eventually, but there were alarms everywhere and they should have taken things seriously. Since ICC does not talk about banning players taking part in ICL, then why ban these players at all? BCB should have allowed these players to play in ICL with an open mind and overturn the sanctions. On a different note, like the Lahore Badshahs, the name of the team could have been Dhaka Zamindars.....'Warriors' sounds too common!
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