Bangladesh top players strike for better pay

Bangladesh cricketers took the unprecedented step of going on strike yesterday, demanding better pay.

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is the leading crusader, asking for higher salaries for players, groundsmen, and local coaches. In all, the protesting cricketers made 11 demands, However, no age-level and women cricketers were part of the move.

Discontent had been simmering in Bangladesh cricket for some time.

Recently, the Tigers’ board discontinued the franchise model of the lucrative Bangladesh Premier League following disagreement with franchise owners.

That meant BPL player salaries hit an all-time low. Also, the Bangladesh board did not raise salary for firstclass matches, which means players would be worse off this year.

Shakib said players will not compete until their demands are met, putting next month’s tour of India in doubt. “We are not going to be involved in cricket unless our demand is fulfilled,” Shakib was quoted as saying by Associated Press.

The all-rounder said the strike is for domestic and international matches.

“We could not include our women’s cricketers because this decision was taken suddenly and if they have any demands they can include it with us,” Shakib said. “I am sure they must have some demands and if they join us we can put it forward.

“All of us want cricket to improve. We want to create a good environment for the players who will come after us, so Bangladesh cricket can move forward.”

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said the board will discuss the issue.

“We have just been informed about the development through media. They [players] are yet to talk on this matter with us directly,” Chowdhury said. “We surely will take a decision on this matter. At this point, I can’t say anything on this.”

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three T20s and two Tests in India in November.