The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have rejected a request from Saudi Arabia seeking Bangladeshi players and coaches, with board president Aminul Islam Bulbul saying the proposal went against the country’s interests.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, Saudi Arabia approached the BCB around two months ago as part of its wider plan to strengthen its cricketing structure. The proposal included the supply of both men’s and women’s players, as well as coaches, who could eventually represent Saudi Arabia after completing the necessary legal and eligibility procedures.
Speaking to Cricbuzz on Saturday, 20 December, Aminul confirmed that the request had been turned down.
“They contacted me about two months ago, and I said no,” Aminul said. “They asked us for players — from both the men’s and women’s categories — and later also wanted coaches. But how can I provide players or coaches at the cost of my own country’s interests?”
Saudi Arabia have made significant financial investments in sport under their ‘Vision 2030’ strategy, aiming to expand their presence on the global stage. In cricket, the focus has been on the rapid development of domestic competitions and improving performances in international matches.
As part of that plan, the Saudi Cricket Board are exploring the possibility of recruiting players from Test-playing nations on a long-term basis. Similar approaches were previously adopted by the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Beyond cricket, Saudi Arabia have already committed vast resources to global sport, including LIV Golf, Formula One and football, and have secured the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. With strategic backing from the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the country is also working towards establishing itself as a new cricketing hub in the Gulf region.
