Bangladesh cricket team went on a strike from all cricket playing activities until their 11-point demand list is not fulfilled by the country’s board.
“Unless our demands were met we will not get involved in any cricketing activities. It includes everything– the first-class cricket, national team preparation, international cricket”,´ Bangladesh Test and T20 skipper Shakib al Hasan said.
Shakib added that only the National Under-19 team, who play a series against their Sri Lankan counterparts from next week as part of their World Cup preparations, and other age-level teams will be out of their programme.
Bangladesh’s senior team had to start their preparation for India’s tour on October 25. They have to play three T20 internationals and two Tests in India, with the first T20Ischeduled for November 3.
The demands of players include respect from board, restoration of the previous pay structure in Dhaka Premier League (DPL), a promise for returning to franchise-based Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) next season, at least Tk one lakh match fees for the National Cricket League, at least 30 players in National payroll and 50 per cent rise in the salary of first-class players.
Currently, the BCB, which has 18 nationally contracted players 79 first-class contracted players, pays Tk 35,000 as match fees for NCL.
The BCB announced to drop the franchises from this year’s BPL and retain the ownership of all teams by itself, raising fear among the players that their payment could get reduced under the new format.
Players have also demanded the resignation of the office bearers of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh, respect for local groundsmen and coaches.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board, meanwhile, said they will discuss the matter before making any final call.
