Bangladesh cricket strike: FICA chief backs players, slams CWAB

Cricket in Bangladesh has taken a massive tumble after Bangladesh's top players in the sport decided to go on a massive strike on Monday. The players wanted their demands met and at the forefront of it is one of the best all-rounders in the world and the national team's Test and T20I captain, Shakib Al Hasan. Recently, the chairman of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) has spoken up in support of Shakib and co.

ALSO READ | Corruption claim deepens; Bangladesh cricket in crisis after strike

FICA supports the Bangladeshi players

Tony Irish, the executive chairman of FICA, commented on the strike that the Bangladeshi players are currently on. Irish conveyed the FICA's support to the players and added that it is very evident that they are not happy with the BCB. He added that the FICA 'commended' the players for their unity against the board despite the ramifications for doing so. Irish also criticised the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) for not lending a helping hand to the players. He also laid emphasis on concerns regarding office-bearers in the CWAB holding positions at the BCB. 

ALSO READ | Bangladesh Cricket Board smells conspiracy behind players' strike

India tour might not happen

Since the Bangladeshi players have gone on strike, all cricketing activities in the country have stopped. This has directly affected the National Cricket League, which is Bangladesh's premier first-class competition. If the players remain on strike, the Bangladesh tour of India might get cancelled. India are scheduled to host Bangladesh for 3 T20Is and 2 Tests, beginning on November 3. 

ALSO READ | Yuvraj Singh raises big domestic Cricket question on Punjab-TN washout

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has commented on the strike and has asked the players to formally present their concerns to the board. Among the 11 demands made by the players, a few were -

• To revive the franchise system in the Bangladesh Premier League
• To lift the match fees in first-class cricket and help the players with travel
• Lift the salary cap in the Dhaka Premier League
• More remuneration for local coaches, physios, trainers, and groundsmen.

ALSO READ | Bangladesh cricket strike: Ex-BCB chief accuses board of match fixing