Yaser Zubayer Sifat
It was a theatrical in the academy Ground in Mirpur yesterday where the country’s most of the top cricketers convened and announced that they would boycott all cricketing activities unless their 11 point demand is met and fulfilled by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). It was dramatical as suddenly the cricketers went on strike demanding that they are not valued properly by the cricket governing body.
The national heroes came in front of the camera and spoke directly about their needs and problems and conveyed their message and demands through the media. The briefing was led by our beloved national players Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad, which was made during a press conference at the Academy Ground in Mirpur yesterday.
There were various comments made by the players which raised concerns about the overall cricketing infrastructure of Bangladesh.
The cricketers read out their demands one by one. The 11-point demand included the resolution of payment irregularities in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), a return to the players’ transfer system from the players-by-choice system in the DPL, a return to the franchise-based model of the Bangladesh Premier League from next edition, improvement in infrastructure, facilities and increased payments for first-class cricketers.
The cricketers even raised questions about the standards in first, second and third division cricket which have been beset by corruption with Shakib saying that teams know who will win the match even before going to the field.
These allegations were raised before the upcoming third round of the National Cricket League (NCL) and the national training camp from October 25 to prepare for the tour of India. If things don’t work out with the cricketers and the board members it will put a question mark on the upcoming India tour.
Shakib also said that women cricketers were not included in the developments because of the rushed nature of the press conference but they are welcome to join.
“We know that everyone is with us as we raised our demands and until our demands are accepted, we are not willing to partake in any type of cricketing activities,” said Shakib to thunderous applause from his fellow cricketers as he finished reading out the demands.
Meanwhile, the BCB’s media committee chairman Jalal Yunus expressed disbelief and shock over the cricketers’ move, but did say that all the demands were logical and could be negotiated if the cricketers would come to the board before going to the media.
“We know that everyone is with us as we raised our demands and until our demands are accepted, we are not willing to partake in any type of cricketing activities,” said Shakib.
The press conference was a surprise for all, even for our beloved ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Most of the senior cricketers were included in the briefing and they had their say but it was missing the most important and iconic figure of Bangladesh Cricket. People were shocked when the saw that Mash was not present at the meeting held yesterday. It was all chaos in the social media and the news was spreading like wildfire. People were posting comments on why he was not present at that conference and everyone was anxious to know why he wasn’t included.
Later at night, Mashrafe posted on his official Facebook account about why he was not present at that briefing.
‘Many of you have asked me why I wasn’t present at such a crucial moment of Bangladesh cricket. Maybe it’s better if people raise the question to the rest of them. I was not at all aware of the situation. Surely they were discussing this issue for quite a long time but I had no idea about it. I came to know all about this after watching the press conference on TV. I was always in support of the players’ demand and I still am. If I had known earlier about today’s move, I would have surely been there.
After watching the press conference, I have been thinking a thousand times that why I wasn’t informed. Many even wanted to know from me but the fact is I am totally unaware of why I wasn’t informed.
However, it is much more important than my presence that all 11-point claim is to be implemented. All claims that have been made by the cricketers are fair and reasonable. It is necessary for the well being. I am Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and I’m in support of the 11-point demand and will be there to support you in the future. ‘ said Mashrafee.
