Najmul Hossain Shanto, expected to continue leading the Test and ODI teams, voiced his opinion on Monday that the Bangladesh Cricket Board should permit cricketers to participate in T20 franchise leagues abroad. Shanto, whose captaincy period ended after Bangladesh’s disappointing performance in the recent Champions Trophy, defends his position by stating it will be beneficial in the long run, even if it means some compromises with national team duties.
The discussion about prioritizing national commitments versus franchise cricket has resurfaced within Bangladesh cricket. Several Bangladeshi players selected by franchises for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) are also likely to be part of the two-Test series against Zimbabwe at home.
The Test series and the PSL schedule are overlapping, with Bangladesh’s Test series preparations likely starting in the second week of April, while the PSL is scheduled from April 8 to May 19. The two Test matches are planned from April 20 to May 2.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana was picked by Peshawar Zalmi, while Litton Kumar Das and Rishad Hossain were signed by Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, respectively.
However, Rana and Litton’s participation is uncertain because of the scheduling conflict between the PSL and the Test series.
A BCB official informed on Monday that Rana has already requested permission from the board to play in the PSL, and they anticipate similar requests from the other two cricketers soon.
“Nahid Rana applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) today, and Rishad might apply tomorrow. We expect Litton will also apply soon. After they apply, the BCB cricket operations will decide on this matter,” the BCB official stated.
Earlier that day, Shanto told reporters he believes players should be given opportunities to play in various franchise-based T20 tournaments. He highlighted that sharing a dressing room with international players would provide them with invaluable experience.
“I think playing in these tournaments is important. Franchise cricket should definitely be played, but ultimately, the decision rests with the cricket board, coaches, and captain regarding whether these cricketers will be allowed to participate in the PSL or stay and play the Test series against Zimbabwe,” Najmul mentioned to reporters on Monday.
“If our cricketers start playing in foreign franchise leagues, it will help them gain valuable experience and learn to take responsibility. Being in the dressing room with international players is a great learning opportunity. I hope our cricketers get more chances to play in such tournaments in the future,” he added.
BCB officials stated they will be more selective in granting NOCs to national team players going forward and will conduct a ‘qualitative assessment’ to ensure players are not participating in questionable leagues.
“We will be more selective about NOCs moving forward. Instead of quantity, a qualitative assessment, focusing on how much experience a cricketer can gain from playing in a particular league, will be prioritized,” a BCB director said, requesting anonymity.
Considering the international cricket schedule and the limited opportunities for Bangladesh players in top foreign leagues, it remains to be seen if this situation will improve in the future.
