Interview of Chief Selector

[bangalee]

Originally posted by IanW
Bangalee,

You're right that experience counts, but it's not Test experience young Bangladesh cricketers need.

At the moment, Bangladesh players go from club cricket (and I'd bet that Dhaka is a lower standard than Brisbane) to Tests. From facing right-arm useless to facing the best that a country can offer.

As an example, lets take Shane Watson, the 24 year old Australian test debuntant. He's played 34 first class matches before his first test. And thats a young man on the fast track, who is being hurried into the national team !

Compare this to any of the young Bangladesh players.

Bangladesh A touring is mostly a matter of money ; frankly, the BCB cant afford to run A- and under-19 tours consistently (the gate from the Zim series is estimated at USD10 000 ... that wont pay for a tour).


What I'd do is first is see if any County or State side wants an Aftab or a Shahadat for a season. Heck, even club cricket in Australia is a good option - plenty of Sri Lankans played in the Melbourne comp, back in the 1980s - and a stint in the Lancashire League is always a good idea for a young cricketer.

Next, see if a team could be put on a bus to play four-day matches against Ranji Trophy sides in India, as a fundraiser for rebuilding Galle Stadium in Sri Lanka.


Ian, very well said and this is unfortunate but true. Hopefully in the near future aftab, ashraful, masrafee will be picked up by some high profile leagues in australia or england.

-Zubair (bangalee)
Ian Whitchurch