The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has a long way to go if it wants to attract foreign talent and improve its standing in the world of cricket. This is according to Lisa Sthalekar, a former Australian cricketer and current president of the World Cricketers' Association (WCA).
Sthalekar's comments shed light on the challenges faced by the BPL and offer an insightful perspective on the state of cricket's franchise-based tournaments. The WCA, in collaboration with players, agents, and associations, has developed a unique assessment system to rank these tournaments based on various metrics.
The WCA's Assessment
The WCA's assessment, which evaluated ten T20 tournaments, placed The Hundred at the top with 75.2 points. In contrast, the BPL languishes at the bottom with a mere 22.6 points. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a powerhouse in the cricket world, comes in third with 62.6 points, trailing behind SA20's 68 points.
This assessment is a stark reminder of the BPL's struggles and the work it needs to do to elevate its standards. Sthalekar believes that the newly formed Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has a crucial role to play in this transformation.
The Role of CWAB
Sthalekar urges CWAB to collaborate closely with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to address the issues that have plagued the BPL, such as non-payment and fixing scandals. She highlights the WCA's traffic-light system, which provides a comprehensive overview of the issues and successes of various T20 leagues. Unfortunately, the BPL's traffic light is not showing much green, indicating areas that need improvement.
"Speaking to Mithun (president of CWAB), I emphasized that this is an opportunity for them to work with the BCB and ensure that overseas players are eager to participate. We want to see the BPL move into the amber and green categories, which signify a more attractive and stable tournament," Sthalekar explained.
Addressing Payment Disputes
One of the key issues that the BPL needs to tackle is payment disputes. Sthalekar believes that professional cricketers, like any other workers, deserve to be paid for their services. She emphasizes the importance of honoring contracts and frameworks to ensure a fair and stable environment for players.
"The CWAB has a big role to play in ensuring that payment disputes are addressed. It's about creating a system where players can trust that they will be compensated fairly for their contributions to the league," she added.
The Future of CWAB
Sthalekar is optimistic about the future of CWAB and its ability to improve over time. She commends the new administration for their efforts and their willingness to learn and grow as representatives of professional cricketers in Bangladesh.
"It's wonderful to see the passion and dedication of the CWAB administrators. They are learning the ropes and understanding the role of a players' association. I believe they will continue to develop and become a strong voice for Bangladeshi cricketers," she concluded.
In conclusion, the BPL has a unique opportunity to elevate its standards and attract foreign talent. With the support of organizations like the WCA and CWAB, and by addressing key issues, the BPL can strive to become a more prosperous and attractive tournament in the world of cricket.
