Finally the doctor who prescribes all medicines for curing all diseases in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to intervene. She summoned agitated BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon in her office and advised her to resolve the deadlock through discussion with cricketers. She also urged upon the players returning to cricket. Only a day before BCB president sounded very harsh reacting aggressively to players’ 11 points demand. He could smell conspiracy and he vowed the surface the names of the conspirators.
Prime Ministers interference changed the mindset of the cricket board; his tone came down from aggression to amicable settlement. Players after a prolonged meeting added two more demands to their earlier 11. They claimed for players given legitimate share of BCB profits in business operation and following similar formats for the eaves cricket.
In a meeting later between feuding parties BCB directors and players’ representatives, BCB assured for meeting 9 of the original 11 demands, COAB accepted players demand to reshape. Players agreed to return to cricket and cricket returned to business as usual after topsy-turvy situation prevailing over the past few days. The possibility of immediate tornado triggered from major depression in the cricket bay bypassed without causing much damage. But the profuse internal bleeding left behind needs addressing or this may create volcanic eruptions and Tsunami any time.
Stories about few controversial directors of BCB, their past political connections and evil activities are appearing in print and electronic media. Cricket related analysts appearing in electronic media are asking questions. Few controversial BCB directors have proven links with corrupt political leaders and terrorists. Acting against cricket fraternity these directors have destroyed the fabrics of Bangladesh cricket. The grassroot organizations are no longer active. Barricades have been created to the spontaneous growth of quality players. We all know about Lokman Hossain arrested on the charges of masterminding Casino culture in sports clubs, accumulating ill gotten money and involving in alleged money laundering. Few others have conflicts of interests. Despite being BCB director they are actively involved with local clubs and franchise.
There are credible allegations against them for manipulating matches, influencing umpiring and doctoring wickets. Certain director during assignment as manager was seen gambling in the casino in Melbourne and Colombo. Few other controversial persons having no cricket background conspired to get rid of smaller clubs which earlier nursed cricketers at grassroots. These they did to secure votes for elections setting their own persons as counselors. Some directors are allegedly linked with match fixers.
Many say there exists corruptions and mismanagement in BPL and other tournaments. Others believe that the main plotter of BPL scandal leading to suspension of Mohammad Ashraful was let off the hook. He has caused major damage to cricket doing nothing for cricket development and creating mistrusts and disbelieves among players as manager of the team. A person cannot wear too many caps. Experts believe till the mischief mongers are pruned from BCB through authentic investigation the cancer won’t be relived. The truce would break and major eruptions may happen again.
We are happy and pleased that the ice melted and cricket is back on the ground. Hope cricketers would now pay full concentrations in making the best preparations. India is now very strong in all formats of cricket be it test, T20 or ODI. When they play at home they appear impregnable. It is unfortunate that the players’ agitation program triggered at crunch moments. However, the discontents fuming for a long while would have surfaced sooner or later.
Few persons considering cricket as their empire were acting like Zamindars in words and actions. Hoped they would learn bitter lessons and changed their attitudes. Every individual have their own assigned tasks in cricket board. Selection Committee would select the team fairly and honestly, Director, Game Development and Director, Cricket Operation would have demonstrate measurable milestone achievements and BCB President would not interfere in every affair .Media must not bother him too often. Till every person stay within their battery limit cricket would continue to suffer. Decisions which need to be taken in Board meeting must not be taken or owned by individuals.
We have some genuine concerns about ignoring contributions of quality local coaches and support staff. Why not Aminul Islam, Nazmul Abedin Fahim, Sarwar Imran, Salahuddin given deserving space to operate? Who benefits from engaging ordinary foreign coaches?
Finally we must not consider the temporary truce among feuding parties as permanent solutions. Till all obnoxious weeds in cricket are weeded out Cricket would grow in free fair environment. It is time probing into the irregularities and cleansing BCB of corrupt and controversial persons.
BDST: 1300 HRS, OCT 24, 2019
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