International cricket is set to return in next month with West Indies scheduled to tour England for a three-Test series subject to the UK government's approval, and following the measures set by the International Cricket Council and will be played behind closed doors as part of the precautions. Last week, Sri Lanka cricket team attended their first practice session in two and half months to sharpen their skills and fitness ahead of a likely return of international cricket.
With growing concern of coronavirus pandemic throughout the world, cricket along with other sports got suspended earlier this year. Though other cricket playing nations are gaining confidence of a return to the field soon, the picture in Bangladesh is however different. With growing cases of Covid19 infections almost every day the Bangladesh Cricket Board has been put in an uncertainty over many decisions.
BCB had suspended all forms of cricket activities in the country in mid-March and since then the cricketers have been staying at home. The board later provided guidance to the cricketers setting them with plans to follow at home to maintain fitness. This however with passing time is not being enough for the players who are demanding some sessions at the field and nets.
Though BCB had initially turned down requests of providing facilities to the cricketers, particularly of wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, the board has now pulled back from its thought. As for now, special arrangements have been made for national cricketers to attend sessions at indoor and BCB academy facilities but with strict protocol in accordance of the ICC Guidelines.
West Indies approve Test tour of England, but players to take pay cut https://t.co/iTdnpdpXAA
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) June 3, 2020
A decision over Bangladesh’s return to international cricket immediately however, still hangs at a balance. Hosts Sri Lanka are optimistic of Bangladesh touring the island in July but according to BCB chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury the decision is huge for the two boards and is likely to reach a resolution by this week.
As far as Bangladesh national team training is concerned, they first need to be joined by the coaching staffs that are mostly from overseas. The country at the moment has all international flights suspended and thus will need for it to resume for the BCB to expect its overseas staffs to report to work.
Eventually there is argument if it will be wise for the Bangladesh team to walk into an international series straightaway. Opinion is strong and common that the cricketers first be given adequate time to hone their fitness and then proper match time through domestic competition. In that case, the board and the players will look into resumption of the Dhaka Premier League that had got suspended after the first round of matches in March. Having the premier 50-over cricket tournament of the country as the stepping stone for cricket to return is also important to relieve the cricketers for the financial crisis that they have been put into in this unprecedented disaster time.
It is well established that a majority of the leading cricketers of the country earn their bread from this tournament. Following the norms majority of the clubs had already paid the cricketers a portion of their salary ahead of the tournament. In case the tournament becomes a no-go, it is for sure to create a dilemma between the clubs and the players – the cricketers are already voicing that a return of the fees to the clubs will only add to their struggle in case the season gets suspended for good.
