Bangladesh national cricketers, including the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim went on a strike amidst growing rift with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) which has put the upcoming tour of India in jeopardy.

The senior cricketers expressed their discontent over the functioning of the game in the country in a media call on Monday (Oct 21) at the BCB Academy ground in Mirpur to announce that they have gone on a strike and have boycotted from all cricketing activities.

In the media call, around 50 players from the national team and first-class cricket gathered while 11 players including Shakib, Mahmudullah announced one point each. 

Demands were related to increasing the payment structure and practice facilities in Dhaka Premier League, National Cricket League and Bangladesh Premier League among others.

THE 11-POINT DEMAND
The abridged version of the demands are as follows:
1. The current committee of Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) must resign immediately. The players’ transfer of Premier League must be done following the old system so that players can choose a team according to their liking
2. If it is not possible in this year, from next year onwards, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) must be arranged based on the previous model. The wages of local players must be increased
3. The match fee for first-class matches should be Tk 100,000. Coaches and physios should be provided year-long practice facilities in every division
4. The domestic matches must use balls that are used in international matches. The meagre Tk 1,500 as daily allowance must be increased. Plane fares should be provided to go from one venue to another, hotel facilities should be upgraded along with the gym and swimming pool facilities
5. The number of contracted players and their salaries must be increased
6. Salaries of local staff members, the salary of coaches, ground staff, umpires and others must be increased
7. The number of one-day tournaments in the domestic arena must be increased. The players wish to play another T20 tournament before the BPL
8. The local calendar must be fixed
9. The dues of DPL must be paid on time
10. The restriction of not playing in two or more franchise leagues must be withdrawn
11. The players also urged female cricketers to come up with their problems as they are eager to move together with female cricketers to improve the cricketing atmosphere of the country.