BPL 2019: BCB Paves The Way For Steven Smith's Participation

Bangladesh Premier League on Thursday has made a change in player’s draft rule that paved way for Steve Smith’s participation in the forthcoming season of the tournament. Earlier, BCB has decided not to allow Steven Smith to take part in the next edition of the league.

Meanwhile, Comilla Victorians have bagged the service of Smith as a replacement for Asela Gunaratne for the next season of BPL commencing from January 5. But during the governing council meeting, the franchises pointed out that Comilla picked him from outside the draft which goes against the laws of the tournament. Moreover, the council referred Bangladesh Cricket Board to make a final call after GC members failed to convince.

But, on Thursday, the BPL governing council has reportedly issued a letter to the franchises. The message was regarding the change in the rule that suggests that Steven Smith will be able to take part.

According to Cricbuzz, the letter states “This Memo is being issued in view of the request received from majority of the franchisees to revise the rules as contained in BPL T20 Player Draft Rules – BPL T20, 2018-2019 (“the Rules”) pertaining to replacement of a directly purchased overseas player from outside the players’ draft list.”