The Bangladesh Cricket Board plans to discontinue the
two-tier National Cricket League, the nation’s long-standing first-class
competition, starting with the upcoming season.
In order to increase competition, BCB launched the
two-tier NCL in the 2015–16 season, which included promotion and relegation.
However, they have since made the decision to cancel it and choose a
round-robin league following the conclusion of the upcoming NCL season, which
will start on October 10.
The technical committee of BCB has already made a
suggestion to the board in this regard, and it is very likely to be approved.
BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin, who also heads the
technical committee of BCB, confirmed the development
“Yes, we have proposed to demolish two-tier NCL
and intend to play the tournament through round robin league with home and away
matches,” said Minhajul, emphasising that home and away matches will
enhance competition. “We played home and away NCL earlier and it was very
competitive and we expect the same from the coming season if the proposal is
approved by the board.”
“There are several instances where we have found
the leading batsman of the country don’t have the opportunity to play the
leading bowler in NCL as they are playing in different tiers and this cannot go
on forever because you can only be tested when you are facing tough
opponents,” said the official. “You will see certain divisions have
five pace bowlers or say three wicket keepers and they are not ready to
exchange their players even though they cannot accommodate everyone in their
playing XI.
“When the teams can retain seven to eight and
have the chance to pick another seven cricketers from players draft, they will
not be ready to fill their squad with five to six pace bowlers or spinners as
they need to bring balance in their team. In that case, the cricketers who were
warming the bench in certain division will have the opportunity to play the
tournament,” he said.