Najmul Advocates for BCB to Authorize Player Involvement in T20 Leagues | Cricbuzz.com

Najmul Hossain Shanto advocates for BCB to permit participation in overseas T20 leagues

**By Atif Azam**

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the front-runner for an extended tenure as captain of Bangladesh’s Test and ODI teams, has called for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to allow players to participate in foreign franchise-based T20 competitions. Shanto’s captaincy concluded after Bangladesh’s unsatisfactory performance in the recently concluded Champions Trophy. He advocates this stance, believing that allowing players to participate internationally will be beneficial in the long haul, even if it requires prioritizing global leagues over national duty on occasion.

The issue of balancing national duties with opportunities in franchise cricket has resurfaced, particularly as several Bangladeshi players have been picked by different teams for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), which coincides with a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe at home. This overlap poses a scheduling conflict, as Bangladesh’s Test preparations are slated to commence in the second week of April, with the PSL scheduled from April 8 to May 19, and the Test series from April 20 to May 2.

Fast bowler Nahid Rana was drafted by Peshawar Zalmi, while Litton Kumar Das and Rishad Hossain were acquired by Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, respectively. However, the participation of Rana and Litton remains uncertain due to the PSL clashing with the Test series timetable.

A BCB official confirmed to Cricbuzz that Nahid Rana has formally requested an NOC (No Objection Certificate) to participate in the PSL, and they anticipate similar requests from the other players shortly. “Nahid Rana applied for the NOC today, while Rishad might apply tomorrow, and we expect Litton to do so soon. Once they apply, BCB cricket operations will review the applications,” the official stated.

Earlier, Shanto expressed to reporters his belief that players should have the opportunity to engage in various franchise-based T20 leagues, highlighting the value of sharing a dressing room with international players as a means of gaining experience. “Playing in such tournaments is crucial. Franchise cricket should undeniably be pursued, but ultimately the decision lies with the cricket board, coaches, and captain regarding participation in the PSL or the Test series against Zimbabwe,” Shanto remarked.

“Our cricketers playing in these foreign leagues will amass invaluable experience and learn responsibility. Interacting with international players will provide them with a profound learning opportunity. I hope more chances arise for our cricketers to partake in such tournaments in the future,” he added.

BCB officials emphasized their intention to be more discerning when issuing NOCs, introducing a “qualitative assessment” to ensure players are not engaged in substandard leagues. “We will adopt a more selective approach for NOCs moving forward. The focus will be on quality rather than quantity, prioritizing the potential experience and learning a player can gain from participating in a specific league,” a BCB director affirmed.

Considering the international cricket calendar and the limited opportunities for Bangladeshi players in premier foreign leagues, it remains to be seen whether changes will unfold in the foreseeable future.

**© Cricbuzz**