The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has a lot of work to do if it wants to attract international cricket stars and improve its standing in the global cricket community. This is according to Lisa Sthalekar, a former Australian cricketer and current president of the World Cricketers' Association (WCA).
Sthalekar's comments come at a critical juncture for the BPL, which has faced significant criticism for non-payment issues and match-fixing scandals. The WCA, in collaboration with players, agents, and players' associations, has developed a comprehensive assessment system for T20 tournaments worldwide. This system, akin to a traffic-light rating, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each league. The Hundred, for instance, leads the way with 75.2 points, while the BPL languishes at the bottom with just 22.6 points.
"The BPL's traffic light is unfortunately not showing a lot of green," Sthalekar observed. She urged the newly formed Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) to collaborate with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to address these issues and create an environment that encourages foreign participation.
One of the key areas that needs attention is the payment disputes that have plagued the BPL. Sthalekar believes that professional cricketers, like any other workers, deserve to be paid for their services. "It's their job, and they should be paid for it," she asserted. She added that the CWAB has a crucial role to play in ensuring that contracts and frameworks are honored, providing a stable environment for players.
Sthalekar's insights provide a glimpse into the challenges faced by cricket administrators in Bangladesh. While she is confident that the CWAB administration will improve over time, the road to recovery for the BPL is likely to be a long one. The league's ability to address these issues and move up the rankings will be a true test of its commitment to the sport and its players.
In my opinion, the BPL's struggles highlight the importance of good governance and player welfare in sports. It's not just about the glamour of international stars; it's about creating a sustainable and respectful environment for all cricketers. The BPL has the potential to be a strong and prosperous tournament, but it needs to address these fundamental issues first.
