BCB Announces New Tournament Amid Escalating Players’ Protest

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a new Twenty20 tournament titled “Sonar Bangla Pathway” in an attempt to address the growing crisis surrounding domestic cricket. The move comes against the backdrop of an ongoing standoff between the board and several Dhaka-based clubs, eight of whom have formally boycotted the First Division Cricket League in protest against what they describe as administrative illegitimacy and neglect of players’ interests.

According to an official BCB press release, the tournament is scheduled to begin in the first week of January and will feature six to eight teams. Matches will be staged at the Bogura and Rajshahi stadiums, two venues seen as suitable for hosting competitive cricket outside the capital. Team selection will be overseen by national selectors, with the primary objective of providing match opportunities to cricketers who are currently outside the club and franchise system—particularly those who went unsold in the most recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) auction.

The board has also confirmed that participating players will receive remuneration, positioning the tournament as both a developmental and welfare-driven initiative. BCB officials argue that the competition will help maintain match fitness and competitive sharpness among a segment of players left idle due to the domestic impasse.

However, the announcement has failed to placate the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB). The players’ body has dismissed the tournament as insufficient and superficial, insisting that it does not address the core issues faced by a large number of affected cricketers. CWAB has called for a human chain protest in front of BCB Gate No. 2, signalling the beginning of a broader movement.

CWAB president Mohammad Mithun was particularly critical, describing the board’s move as an attempt to “paper over cracks”. He argued that, given the limited number of teams, many deserving players would inevitably be excluded. Mithun warned that unless a comprehensive and swift resolution is reached, the association would escalate its protests in phases.

Tensions intensified further following reports that former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal expressed his frustration via a voice message in a private WhatsApp group of cricketers. Sources say Tamim urged players to set aside personal concerns and unite for collective action, calling the moment “crucial” and demanding firm steps to protect players’ rights. He also encouraged coordination with CWAB leadership to ensure a decisive response.

The broader conflict stems from a declaration by 43 clubs, who have labelled the current BCB board “illegitimate” and announced their withdrawal from Dhaka league competitions. Despite several rounds of attempted dialogue initiated by the BCB over recent months, the clubs remain steadfast in their refusal to participate in any tournament organised under the present administration.

As Bangladesh’s domestic cricket ecosystem faces mounting uncertainty, the effectiveness of the Sonar Bangla Pathway tournament—and the board’s willingness to engage in meaningful reform—will likely determine whether the impasse can be resolved or further entrenched.

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