The club versus country debate has cropped up again as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan has barred players from participating in the IPL during international series.
Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are the only Bangladesh players associated with the league, and have not asked for NOCs (No Objection Certificates) yet. Bangladesh’s Zimbabwe tour commences on April 13 and ends on May 12, while the IPL is scheduled between April 3 and May 26. Shakib plays for Kolkata Knight Riders and Tamim for Pune Warriors and the BCB decision means the pair will be eligible to play in only four IPL matches.
“There is no chance for players to take part in these [IPL] tournaments when an international series is going on,” Hassan said. “As far as I know, cricket boards don’t allow such things, and we will not provide that opportunity [either].
“We haven’t been requested to provide any NOCs yet. I was asked if they can go to the IPL instead of the Zimbabwe tour, but I told them that they wouldn’t be able to. I know for sure that even in my capacity, I cannot let them go.”
Hassan didn’t single out the two players, but warned players against trying to pick and choose formats. “The country comes first, otherwise there is always the chance of the players thinking they can play in these tournaments, where they have more personal benefits. I am not saying that the players are taking chances, but this attitude isn’t healthy when you look at the bigger picture.”