Selector calls for domestic changes

Faruque Ahmed, the head of the selectors, has said that the National Cricket League needs to pay players more if standards are to improve. And a better league will, in turn, lead to a stronger national side.

"We should understand that there is no alternative to improving the domestic structure if we want to make our presence felt at the highest level of the game," he told the Daily Star. "I think the National League is theoretically the number one competition in the country but it still does not have a real professional shape. I must say the financial package for the players is one area that has to improve first. You can not expect 100% commitment from a player by paying such a poor remuneration."

Faruque went on to tell the newspaper that the system of relying on the Under-19 squad to constantly feed the senior side with replacements was not ideal. "We desperately need a buffer zone between the national team and the youth sides and I think the National League could become the best platform for talent to flourish."

He admitted that the big-name players had not really played a part in this year's competition, and that had devalued its worth in the eyes of the public. "We should make adjustments to the schedule according to the international calendar to ensure maximum participation of the best players.

"We will consider the National League's performance when we select the A team for the important tour of England in July. But everybody should understand that good showing in one season is not a convincing enough reason to call someone to the senior team," he explained to the Star. "I am really delighted by the performances of young players like Golam Rahman and Forhad Reza. Talented cricketers like Nazimuddin and Alok Kapali also got their rhythm back in the League. We will think of them first before selecting the second string team."