The ongoing Bangladesh Premier League season (BPL 2024) is on the verge of completion as only two games are left now. We have seen some amazing performances and matches throughout the tournament. But, the Bangladesh cricket team’s current head coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe has some different views regarding the Bangladesh Premier League’s quality. The former Sri Lankan cricketer is not impressed with the way things are going in the BPL 2024. He pointed out some key things in the BPL 2024 like lack of local representation for key roles, not many opportunities for uncapped players, a need for another local T20 tournament, and much more. We will talk about all those things in detail. So don’t go anywhere.
Chandika Hathurusinghe is not impressed with the quality of BPL 2024
While talking to ESPNCricinfo, Chandika Hathurusinghe said a lot of things about the quality of Bangladesh’s premium T20 league. The former Sri Lankan cricketer doesn’t think the quality of the league is good enough.
In the tournament, the major roles in the batting and bowling are often taken by the overseas players. And due to that, there is a lack of local representation in those areas. Hathurusinghe pointed out that part as well.
Also, he said the uncapped players are not getting helped as only the already established domestic players keep making the headlines.
The Bangladesh cricket team head coach said he sometimes turns off the TV (Television) when watching the BPL. That’s because he doesn’t think there is a quality in this league and some players are not of that required class.
Hathurusinghe wants ICC to intervene in franchise cricket
Chandika Hathurusinghe wants the ICC (International Cricket Council) to intervene in franchise cricket to protect and nurture the raw talents. He wants the ICC to step in and regulate the participation of players playing in multiple T20 leagues in the same window. There are a few players who were associated with multiple leagues when BPL, SA20, and ILT20 were going on simultaneously.
“I have a big issue with the current system. The ICC needs to step in. There has to be some regulations. A player is playing one tournament and then he is playing another tournament. It is like a circus. Players will talk about opportunities, but that’s not right. People will lose interest. I have lost interest.” – Chandika Hathurusinghe added.
Hathurusinghe said he is fighting a steep battle
The Bangladesh head coach said he is fighting a steep battle for the betterment of the Bangladesh cricket team. He wants a local T20 tournament in the country before the BPL so the local players or some fringe players will get the opportunity to showcase their talent. He thinks that it will help the players to learn the art of playing T20 cricket.
“My suggestion is that we have another tournament before the BPL,” he said. “The franchises do what they want. Some of the best players are not playing. Then how do you expect the Bangladesh team to be up with the other teams? I am fighting a steep battle.” – Hathurusinghe said.
Shuvagata Hom agrees with Hathurusinghe’s comment
Shuvagata Hom, the captain of Chattogram Challengers agrees with Hathurusinghe’s comment on BPL not helping develop local talent. He said the players who are outside of the national team only get to play first-class cricket and 50 overs cricket. And to play the BPL without playing any other T20s will not help the players.
Just like Hathurusinghe, Hom also thinks that there will be another T20 tournament in Bangladesh other than BPL.
Former Bangladesh’s analyst takes a dig at Hathurusinghe
The former Bangladesh cricket team’s performance analyst, Shrivinas Chandrasekaran takes a dig at Hathurusinghe’s ‘circus’ comment. He is currently working as an analyst with Rangpur Riders in the BPL. On Monday, he posted a picture with some of the team players and wrote a caption as – “Circus is fun when you have these man with you.”
Conclusion
So this is it for today. The T20 leagues are not just for fun but a platform for some local young players to get into the scene. Chandika Hathurusinghe doesn’t think BPL is fulfilling on that part.
Whatever, the BPL 2024 has only two games left with Comilla Victorians waiting for the 2nd finalist to come. Fortune Barishal defeated Chattogram Challengers to get a place in the 2nd qualifier. On the other hand, Rangpur Riders will get another chance to reach the final in the 2nd qualifier after losing the 1st qualifier to Comilla Victorians.
Fortune Barishal and Rangpur Riders will play the 2nd qualifier on February 28 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. The final of the tournament will happen on March 01 at the same venue.
What do you think? Who will win the title this season? Comilla Victorians, Rangpur Riders, or Fortune Barishal?
