Bangladesh tour of India under threat after players announce boycott

The players revealed 11 separate demands at a press conference attended by Shakib Al Hasan, as well as other high-profile members of the national setup, including Mahmudllah, Mehidy Hasan, Arafat Sunny and Tamim Iqbal

Cricketers in Bangladesh have announced a boycott of all cricket activity until their demands are met for the improvement of the game in the country.

The measures currently impact the National Cricket League, the domestic first-class competition, but could also threaten the upcoming tour of India, which takes place in November. The two nations are due to meet in three T20Is followed by two Tests.

The players, however, revealed 11 separate demands at a press conference attended by Shakib Al Hasan, as well as other high-profile members of the national setup, including Mahmudllah, Mehidy Hasan, Arafat Sunny and Tamim Iqbal.

One major sticking point appears to be the national governing body’s decision to take control of this year’s Bangladesh Premier League after a disagreement with franchise owners, abandoning the franchise model in the process. That move has significantly reduced the average wage of professional players.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has so far only commented to say that it is awaiting formal details of the complaint.

Nizamudin Chowdhury, chief executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, said: “We just came to know about it. “We will discuss it in the board and try to resolve it as soon as possible.

“I don't think it is anything like revolt. They are yet to tell us anything formally, but we are looking into the matter.”

Players have also been fierce of their criticism of a new BCB rule which states that a leg-spinner must bowl four overs in every single innings of a BPL match.