The First Division Cricket League began on Sunday amid controversy, with Tamim Iqbal openly criticising the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for what he described as unacceptable behaviour towards cricketers.
Reacting to events surrounding the start of the domestic competition, Tamim took to social media to voice his frustration, saying he could not accept how players had been treated.
On the eve of the league, two contrasting scenes unfolded. Representatives of clubs taking part in the tournament attended the trophy unveiling in front of the BCB Academy building, while players from clubs boycotting the league staged protests nearby. Of the original 20 teams, only 12 are competing in the tournament.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Tamim wrote: “Cricketers are the biggest stakeholders of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Yet yesterday, many players were not allowed to enter the premises. Players from different divisions went to the BCB to place their demands, which is their right and based on reasonable grounds. Instead, they were kept waiting outside the gates. Although a delegation was later allowed inside, the way many others were treated was disappointing. As a cricketer, I register my protest.”
Despite the reduced participation, Dhaka Metropolis Club Committee (CCDM) chairman Adnan Dipon said he was satisfied that the league was proceeding with 12 teams. However, he offered no clear explanation regarding the clubs that have chosen to boycott the competition.
Speaking on Saturday, Dipon said: “We want to wait until tomorrow (today). The eight clubs may still come, or they may not. They have not officially written to CCDM and have only sent a legal notice to the board. According to CCDM regulations, there are 44 clubs, and none of them has written to us. We cannot assume whether they will play or not.”
According to the fixture list, first-round matches involving 10 teams are scheduled across five venues. The BCB has confirmed that if any team fails to take the field, their opponents will be awarded a walkover.
