The issue of decentralizing cricket has resurfaced as part of the Bangladesh government’s effort to build a discrimination-free country. BCB director Nazmul Abedin Fahim believes that forming regional cricket associations can enable decentralization and play a crucial role in eradicating discrimination and corruption in cricket.
Additionally, this initiative could liberate players and organizers from the dominance of Dhaka-centric cricket and create opportunities for regional organizers to expand cricket in their respective districts. Fahim stated, “Regional cricket associations can solve these problems and provide opportunities to discover more talented cricketers from grassroots levels.”
So far, most cricketers in the country have emerged through BCB programs or local cricket organizers. However, no collaborative initiatives have been implemented at the district level. Fahim, who previously worked in BCB’s game development committee for a long time, emphasized decentralization, saying, “Everything is Dhaka-based, which is not good for overall cricket. Although BCB takes several initiatives every year to identify grassroots cricketers, it is not enough. We need many more cricketers. To achieve this, regional cricket associations must be more active, and if regular cricket tournaments can be organized in every district, we will find many more players.”
In the past, the lack of initiative to decentralize cricket stemmed from maintaining centralized control. Fahim believes now is the right time to implement this change.
“I have always been vocal about this, but no one acted on it before. Since I am now part of the board, I will try to implement it. We want to eliminate all forms of discrimination from cricket. Regional cricket associations are the best way to provide equal opportunities,” Fahim added.
He further mentioned, “At the moment, we lack manpower, so we cannot do everything at once. This is a process. However, regional cricket associations should be given the highest priority. To implement this, we need a proper roadmap, and that is the most critical aspect.”
