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Cry for proper domestic cricket-II

Lutfur Rahman
In early stages our cricketers trained on cement wickets where footwork is not generally required to deal with different type of bowling. Later on when they grew up they played matches on turfwickets (I shall call it "day" wicket devoid of any grass) and found difficulties with their footwork dealing with spin or swing bowling. I think it will be much better if they practice al least on matting wickets rather than On cement wickets. At present a number of coaches are running their camps in the country and they should give a serious thought to the nature of wickets that their pupils use.
The body running domestic cricket must have the full authority to work without any interference. The body must have efficient and dedicated person like Reza-e-Karim, who successfully ran the show year after year wi th great success.
The domestic cricket was turned on its head with the prestigious Dhaka League gradually being shifted to later part of the season just after we got the Test status. Last year it has not staged al all. Instead of season opener Damal Summer Tournament, the BCB introduced one "funny" 20 over Corporate League Tournament which does not contribute anything to our cause at all except financially benefiting some of the cricketers. Such tournament could be held at the fag end of our cricket season.
I personally do not blame fully our cricketers for their repeated dismal performance in international assignments. They do not get sufficient chance to prepare themselves by playing longer version domestic competitions. The temperament and correct approach required to survive in international cricket cannot be attained by playing under the present domestic format.
The cricketers, who are now engaged in international cricket and
meanwhile had to attend coaching camps, do not get any chance to participate in domestic cricket in order to rectify their faults. I fully agree with the opinion of Shafiqul Huq, a former Bangladesh captain, who in an interview with BBC recently suggested that in the coming one month before the home series against India the players should play as many as competitive matches as they can instead of attending camps.
I suggest that the Board must arrange a series of four-day matches between the national and 'A' team, if required a third team, i.c., under-19 may also be involved in these matches. At least five matches can be arranged and held where coach and selection committee members will keep an eye on the proceedings of the matches and advice the players accordingly.
Our cricket season must last al leSst for nine months in a year, leaving three months of excessive rainy period. This can easily be done if we prepare a couple of grounds with all the facilities available to run tournaments in rainy season. In 1955, Eaglet's Cricket Club of Dhaka introduced and successfully staged a summer tournament, namely Kardar Summer Cricket Tournament during July-September and they continued with it for a number of years. During the same time another Summer Cricket Tournament in the name of Sher-e-Bangla Summer Cricket Tournament was also organised by Azad Boys Club. In both this tournaments teams from Pakistan also participated. Such tournaments can alsabe easily introduced now.
I think too much politicisation in the sports bodies is the root cause of present deterioration of sport, particularly cricket in this country. Such practice has driven out many efficient and dedicated organisers from the scene.
By nature I am not a pessimist, but when in a country where all institutions are falling apart, cricket cannot remain stay away from that vicious circle.. It requires a huge shake-up and all out and sincere effort to put it back on the right track. -End
The writer is a former chief selector of Bangladesh Cricket Board