Some recent controversies of Bangladesh Cricket Control Board has raised questions whether BCB is serving the cause of Bangladesh Cricket or working to serve the personal interests of a fortunate few? Cricket being the only cause which binds the divided nation together created worldwide enthusiasm among the Bangladeshis.
Bangladeshis living in Australia and New Zealand like any other places of the world were extremely happy and delighted to see tigers performing in their backyard. Players are putting in their best no doubt. Bangladesh has a real possibility to qualify for the quarterfinals.
But off the field antics of some officials of BCB and team management has already created bitter controversies. BCB did not waste any time any taking harsh action against a young player reportedly getting back a little late in team hotel. He was sent home just before a very important match against Sri Lanka at MCG.
All the players were of the opinion that any other actions short of sending him home could be better for teams morale .But BCB management ( not necessarily the unanimous decision of Board Directors Present in Australia ) took that harsh decision on the behest of a senior BCB official known to be very friendly with Sri Lankan Cricket. The player sent back home is known to be a very effective bowler against left handed batsmen.
Needless to mention that two left handed batsmen of Sri Lanka got hurt Bangladesh badly in the match. There has been confirmation that ACSU did not report against the player concerned to BCB.
There has been report that few BCB officials were given US$ 3000 for visiting Australia. What is the purpose of their visit and what benefit their visit will bring to Bangladesh Cricket is not very clear. Some of them are seen busy meeting their friends and relatives.
BCB officially regretted an invitation from Australian Bangladesh Association Melbourne for a community reception .But the team attended private parties and even accepted the invitation of a controversial person at Melbourne the day after they lost the match at MCC. Some members went to a mosque where of all people Mashrafee had an incident with a disgruntled Bangladeshi Australian.
The saddest of all is the excesses of team Manager Khaled Mahmud Sujon.
He considers himself above law and hardly oblige to team rule of returning to hotel within time. He attended dinner outside most of the time and on occasion lived with his friends .He was seen gambling at a leading Melbourne Casino the night after Bangladesh lost the match at MCG.
Media reported of heated arguments between head coach and manager over team affairs. Bangladesh print and electronic media reports have extensive coverage of the incident .Even the person could not deny visiting the casino. We are not sure whether team Manager is part of team’s code of conduct.
If so Bangladesh Cricket Manager must go home. Government must conduct an enquiry about the motive behind sending an army of BCB officials to Australia new Zealand spending BCB Money.
If players have to embrace harsh punishment for minor offences why not the Manager or BCB officials? Are they above law? Why people’s money have to be spent for pleasure trip of few officials? The same money could be spent for some young cricketers visiting Australia with the team for getting experience. None of the three member selection committee is here also.
Bangladesh has more than even chance of qualifying for quarter final. We hope that off the field antics and controversies of team officials do not affect the performance of the team. But the question is being raised how a totally irresponsible manager will maintain team discipline?
BDST: 1439 HRS, MAR 3, 2015
