Bangladesh’s head coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe, has voiced his concerns about the state of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), claiming it isn’t fulfilling its potential in developing the country’s T20 cricket talent. He also proposed a T20 tournament exclusively for local players to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Limited Local Impact: Bangladesh Premier League
Hathurusinghe highlighted the lack of homegrown players in crucial batting and bowling positions within the BPL. He expressed frustration, stating to ESPNcric, “We [Bangladesh] don’t have a proper T20 tournament. When I watch the BPL, I sometimes turn off the TV.” He believes relying heavily on overseas players hinders the development of local talent.
Overworked Players:
The coach also criticised the packed cricket calendar, suggesting the ICC should implement regulations to prevent players from participating in multiple tournaments during the same window. “A player is playing one tournament and then he is playing another tournament. It is like a circus. Players will talk about opportunities, but that’s not right. People will lose interest. I have lost interest.”
Need for Central Roles for Bangladeshi Players:
Hathurusinghe emphasizes the importance of granting Bangladeshi players central roles in the BPL. He stated, “We need to have a tournament where our players can do things like batting in the top three… Bangladesh bowlers bowling in the death.” He emphasizes the lack of exposure for domestic players in these crucial positions hindering their overall development.
Statistics Reflect the Issue:
Statistics support Hathurusinghe’s concerns. This season, several teams have heavily relied on overseas players for batting in the top three, while others like Comilla Victorians have opted to give more opportunities to local players. Similarly, teams have primarily utilised overseas bowlers in the death overs, showcasing the under-utilisation of local talent in these high-pressure situations.
Call to Bangladesh Cricket Board for Separate Tournament:
To address the issue, Hathurusinghe proposes the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) organise a separate tournament exclusively for domestic players before the BPL. This would provide them with valuable T20 experience and help bridge the gap between the national team and the local league.
Hathurusinghe concludes by highlighting the challenges he faces: “My suggestion is that we have another tournament before the BPL. The franchises do what they want. Some of the best players are not playing. Then how do you expect the Bangladesh team to be up with the other teams? I am fighting a steep battle.”
Hathurusinghe’s concerns highlight the need for a change in the BPL ecosystem to ensure it effectively promotes and develops Bangladeshi T20 talent. Whether the BCB and the franchises address these concerns and implement changes remains to be seen, but the coach’s voice has sparked important discussions about the future of Bangladeshi T20 cricket.
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