Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ad-hoc committee chairman Tamim Iqbal has called the introduction of a Second XI system “absolutely, very, very important for Bangladesh cricket”, arguing that the domestic structure currently benefits only a limited group of players, reports Daily Sun.
“If you look at the design of Bangladesh cricket, you will see that our maximum cricket is centred around just one segment of players,” Tamim told reporters on Thursday.
“Those who play for the National Team are the ones playing BPL, BCL and NCL… one segment is getting the chance to play five or six tournaments.”
He pointed out that players in the First, Second and Third Divisions have no cricket beyond their respective leagues, leaving almost no pathway for them to reach the national side.
“There are very few instances in our cricketing history where a player has made it to the National Team from the Second or Third Division. This is because we could never create that platform,” he said.
Tamim confirmed that from this season every NCL side will field two teams, following a county cricket-style First XI and Second XI model.
“When the NCL starts, Chittagong will have two teams—First XI and Second XI. Dhaka will also have two teams. In this way, every team will have a First and Second XI.”
He said the system will immediately widen opportunities.
“There are many players in the First XI who often remain as the 12th, 13th or 14th man and don’t get the chance to play. When we start the Second XI, you are basically engaging another 100–150 or 200 cricketers.”
Second XI matches will be three-day games, creating a ready pool of match-fit players for specific team needs.
“Now, no one will have to be picked up from their home; that off-spinner will be playing in the Second XI, and the First XI can give him an opportunity based on his performance,” he said.
Tamim stressed that the structure will also support players returning from injury. Citing England’s approach, he said: “If you look at the example of Jofra Archer, after returning from injury, his first match was for the Second XI.”
“We have to bring that hungriness among those boys regarding how they can break into the First XI,” he added, confirming that the process and budgeting have already been completed.
“These things we are doing are for the development of Bangladesh cricket… if we can leave this system established, I hope it will be good for Bangladesh cricket.” Tamim concluded.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
