Unfinished cricket league may finish with T-20s

The unfinished season of the Dhaka Premier Cricket League might be converted into T20 format in order to best fit to the window the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) is looking into. Last year the Dhaka League got suspended after its first round of matches due to the Covid 19 pandemic in March. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and CCDM have since been looking for a window to resume and finish the season.

According to CCDM chairman Kazi Inam Ahmed, the board and the committee are looking to have the tournament held in a tight window in May-June this year but for that they have to consider the format and may opt to play T20 cricket.

“Our chief concern is of the players. Around 200 cricketers take part in Dhaka Premier League and for many this tournament is the bread earner. There are many cricketers here who do not even play first class cricket. So, considering all facts we are thinking to hold the tournament at a time when the national cricketers are also available. The national cricketers are signed with the clubs for the season and have even taken advance payments. We will soon sit and discuss the path ahead with the clubs,” said Inam to the media on Tuesday.

 Inam also spoke of the past occasions when Dhaka Premier League seasons had T20 competition alongside the 50-over competition. In case the window available this year is not big enough and if not enough venues are available, the tournament might be played in T20 format. 

“We have a window in May-June this year. It may be that we may need to complete the tournament in two parts. We will have to consider a few things here which can also be the format. There have been many times when Dhaka Premier League was played in T20 format alongside 50-over. Now, this time if it is that we do not have enough time and we do not have enough venues available, in that case the tournament may be played in T20 format,” Inam explained.

 “We still have a lot to discuss on this though. We will need to sit with the clubs and take their opinions. Then there will be advises from the board. So we will have to put all facts together and then go ahead with a plan,” the CCDM chairman added.

 The CCDM held a meeting on Tuesday involving CCDM chairman Kazi Inam Ahmed, CCDM member secretary Ali Hossain, BCB chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury and representatives of other concerned departments of the board. Inam informed a meeting with the club representative will be held on Saturday next.