The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (COAB) have initiated a long-term strategy to address the financial losses faced by players due to the cancellation of this year’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Rather than opting for temporary, one-time financial aid, the board and player representatives have agreed to focus on sustainable economic security by significantly increasing match fees across the domestic cricket structure.
This decision follows a high-level meeting held in Mirpur yesterday between BCB President Faruque Ahmed and representatives from COAB. While initial discussions had explored the possibility of a one-off payment to compensate for the lost BPL revenue, the players rejected this approach. Instead, they pushed for a permanent resolution to eliminate the annual uncertainty surrounding their primary income sources. Consequently, the board has pledged to nearly double the match fees for the National Cricket League (NCL) and the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL).
Addressing questions regarding whether a replacement tournament would be organized, COAB President Mohammad Mithun clarified that no such alternative is currently planned. He stated that the board is not in a position to create a substitute event to offset the BPL’s absence, confirming that no replacement tournament will take place. However, he emphasized that the new structure is designed to provide broader benefits to the domestic circuit.
Mithun highlighted that the focus has shifted from supporting a small group of 50 to 70 elite players to ensuring that 150 to 200 cricketers can benefit sustainably. By prioritizing long-term stability over immediate, short-term gains, the board aims to create a more robust environment for future generations of athletes. Cricketer Saif Hassan, representing the players, expressed satisfaction with this forward-looking plan, noting that it will provide widespread benefits to the entire domestic cricket community rather than just a select few.
The commitment to increase domestic match fees is expected to be finalized and formally announced following the upcoming BCB board meeting.
