Will stagnation continue in the ‘best time for cricket’?

Bangladesh cricket finds itself in a state of drift. On Monday, the lush green outfield of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium lay unusually quiet, while even the academy ground showed little sign of activity.

The loss of a World Cup place amid the ongoing impasse between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over security concerns in India has added to the gloom. On-field cricket now faces uncertain days, with the First Division League continuing with a reduced 12-team format and even the Premier League clouded by uncertainty.

While walking through Mirpur, this reporter overheard two BCB officials discussing possible renovations of existing facilities. From their conversation, it appeared such plans may have to be put on hold due to the upcoming national elections.

Ordinarily, the period immediately after the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) would see the Sher-e-Bangla buzzing with activity. National team players would return to prepare for upcoming assignments, media attention would intensify and discussions around squad selection would dominate. This year, however, the absence of a World Cup has left a noticeable void.

The Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) has organised a T20 Challenge Cup for players sidelined by the First Division League’s club-versus-BCB conflict and those who went unsold in the BPL auction. Yet for national team players and leading prospects, competitive cricket remains scarce.

In this vacuum, rumour took over on Sunday night, with speculation swirling over BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul’s departure for Australia. The speculation subsided only on Monday morning when Bulbul appeared at the BCB premises to attend a training programme for match referees. Still, presentations, meetings and project plans will do little to arrest stagnation if players are not on the field.

Compounding the unease, several Brothers Union players turned up at the stadium to lodge a formal complaint with the BCB president, claiming they are yet to receive 75 percent of their contracted payments from last season.

Following the BPL final, Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto spoke candidly about the need to strengthen the domestic structure. BCB officials also view the current lull as a potential opportunity to push forward with tournaments.

BCB game development coordinator Habibul Bashar believes the coming weeks are crucial.

“From what I understand, the BCL [Bangladesh Cricket League] four-day matches were supposed to take place. We can start thinking of upcoming assignments,” Bashar told The Daily Star, adding that with Pakistan home series in March, the BCL could also be played in one-day format.

For Bashar, failing to make use of this window would be a missed opportunity. “It wouldn’t be right to let this time go to waste. This is the best time for cricket. Later on, it rains or gets hot. This is the best time to play cricket in Bangladesh,” he added.

A senior BCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that plans are being drawn up for February. “Given the present situation, we are planning for February and hope to have an overall plan within a week,” the official said.

With national team assignments too facing significant risks after ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from World Cup, the domestic scene and its improvement gains even more importance.