"It is like a circus" - Chandika Hathurusingha expresses frustration over quality of BPL 2024
Published - 25 Feb 2024, 05:03 PM
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Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha expressed disappointment over the quality of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Chandika Hathurusingha highlighted the mismanagement of Bangladesh’s T20 tournament and called it a ‘circus’.
The ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 season is failing to attract a broader global audience, facing significant hurdles in maintaining its appeal and competitiveness. Star players have opted for other T20 competitions like SA20 and the IPL over the BPL.
The playoff matches of BPL 2024 are scheduled to commence on February 26, featuring Fortune Barishal, Chattogram Challengers, Rangpur Riders, and Comilla Victorians. The final will take place on March 1st at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
Don’t Have A Proper T20 Tournament – Chandika Hathurusingha
In a recent conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Chandika Hathurusingha emphasized the necessity for ICC regulation to ensure a more structured approach to tournaments. Hathurusingha highlighted the risk of diminishing fan interest under the current system.
“We [Bangladesh] don’t have a proper T20 tournament. This sounds very odd. When I am watching the BPL, I sometimes turn off the TV. Some players are not even of the [required] class. I have a big issue with the current system. The ICC need to step in. There has to be some regulations. A player is playing one tournament and then he is playing another tournament. It is like a circus. Players will talk about opportunities, but that’s not right. People will lose interest. I have lost interest,” Hathurusinghe told ESPNcricinfo.
We Have Only One Tournament – Chandika Hathurusingha
Chandika Hathurusingha suggested a few changes to enhance the quality of Bangladesh cricket. He emphasized the necessity of grooming players to undertake key roles such as opening the batting and bowling at the death overs.
“We need to have a tournament where our players can do things like batting in the top three… Bangladesh bowlers bowling in the death. Where will we learn these things otherwise? We have only one tournament,” Hathurusingha said.
Chattogram Challengers, Sylhet Strikers, and Durdanto Dhaka have heavily relied on overseas batters, while Comilla Victorians, Khulna Tigers, and Rangpur Riders have prioritized local talent. Comilla has a squad of 12 bowlers, with eight of them being overseas players.
Khulna and Dhaka have also leaned towards overseas bowlers, while teams like Chattogram, Rangpur, Barishal, and Sylhet have favored local bowlers.
Have Another Tournament Before The BPL – Chandika Hathurusingha
Hathurusingha emphasized the need for the BCB to arrange a separate tournament for local players preceding the BPL to enhance their T20 exposure.
“My suggestion is that we have another tournament before the BPL. The franchises do what they want. Some of the best players are not playing. Then how do you expect the Bangladesh team to be up with the other teams? I am fighting a steep battle,” he concluded.
The Bangladesh Cricket Team made its debut in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007 but has yet to secure a championship title. They won just two out of five games in the last edition of the tournament. They struggled to finish in the top four during the ICC tournaments.
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Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) BPL 2024 Chandika Hathurusingha
