Yesterday was a very important board meeting for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), during which many key topics were covered, and some critical decisions were made.
The decision to raise both the monthly salary and the match costs for women’s cricket was one of the most important choices that was made. During a press conference, BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon said that the pay of both first-class players and the 25 women cricketers who are centrally contracted will be increased. In addition, the salaries of first-class players will also be increased.
In Bangladesh, it is difficult for young women to participate in sports like cricket. You will require equipment as well as wickets and pitches. Because of the challenges that females face in order to participate in cricket, we have not been able to do too lot to help them. They would have access to a greater number of amenities if they moved,” Nazmul stated categorically.
Women in this nation have historically had a difficult time pursuing a career in cricket, but the recent pay raise should make it easier for more people to get into the game. “It is a first step, and we are hoping that the process has begun and will improve day by day,” the president of the BCB said afterward. “It is a first step.”
It was also brought to Nazmul’s attention that the shortage of cricket fields in Dhaka has made it challenging to host matches for the first, second, and third divisions of the sport. Because the matches have to be played at foreign locations, finding suitable times to play them can be somewhat challenging.
The BCB had been waiting for the NSC to reorganize the Khan Saheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah, but no work had been done at the stadium. According to the information he provided, the BCB’s own funds would now be used to rehabilitate Fatullah. “We have given the go-ahead to work on both the grounds at Fatullah,” he stated. “We are excited to get started.”
The BCB took yet another significant action by approving the acquisition of two pieces of land in Purbachal and Pubail using their own money in order to satisfy the growing demand for land. Additionally, they are checking out the properties in Chattogram and Bogura. The president of the BCB was quoted on the move as saying, “At this time, we are concentrating on facilities and land.”
The BCB also had to make the important decision of whether or not to apply for its own channel to show matches. “We are going to apply for BCB TV, and we won’t have to wait for anyone to broadcast games, not only international but also domestic matches,” Nazmul added. “We are going to broadcast games ourselves.”
In addition, ad hoc regional cricket committees were established, of which five have been accepted and authorized, with Barishal and Khulna expected to be confirmed in the near future. The move will assist in decentralizing the sport in some way.
A large increase was also given to the salary of the players on the A team. “It was of great importance, particularly with regard to the decentralization of cricket. According to the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), “the fact that we have given approval and that they will begin their activities from now on is a significant step for the future of Bangladesh cricket.”
Principal accomplishments achieved as a result of the eighth meeting of the Board of Directors
The acquisition of property in Pubail, Gazipur, and Purbachal, Narayanganj, for the purpose of establishing cricket fields, has been given the go-ahead. In addition, it has been determined that land will be acquired in Chattogram and Bogura for the purpose of carrying out the project.
**In general, it was agreed that immediate steps should be taken to renovate both the inner and outside grounds of the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah in order to make these areas playable. This approval was given in principle.
**The Board has given its clearance for the installation of new and advanced indoor cricket practice turfs at the current indoor facilities around the nation, including in Chattogram and Sylhet. These turfs will be installed at the existing indoor centers.
**There was general consensus to get the procedure for acquiring the license for BCB TV started as soon as possible.
**The Board of Directors gave their stamp of approval to the rise in pay for the 25 female players who are under central contracts. In addition, it was decided to raise the match payments for women’s players competing in ODI and T20 International matches. This was agreed.
**The approval of the wage contracts and the compensation boost for 2023 was given to 77 first-class cricket players.
**The BCB Regional Cricket Association Guidelines-2022 were given the green light, and the endorsement of Regional Ad-hoc Committees (one each in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Rajshahi) was also allowed.
**An increase has been made to the match fees for the Bangladesh A Team for all one-day, four-day, and Twenty20 formats.