The state of global cricket stands on a precipice, torn by a clash of power and principle. Cricket’s three wealthiest boards—the BCCI (India), Cricket Australia, and the ECB (England)—have tabled proposals that, while advantageous to their own interests, pose serious threats to the broader cricketing world. These proposals were met with immediate opposition from several cricketing nations, notably Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, all of whom voiced their concerns at the recent International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Dubai on January 28 and 29.
Initially, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), led by Nazmul Hassan Papon, seemed inclined to support the so-called "Big Three" proposal. However, public outcry back home in Bangladesh swiftly shifted Papon’s stance. Die-hard fans took to the streets, expressing deep-rooted fears about the future of their beloved sport, while cricket analysts in Bangladesh vehemently criticized the board’s initial support. This groundswell of resistance urged Papon to oppose the ICC's proposed revamp.
Central to Bangladesh’s concerns was the introduction of a two-tier Test cricket system, which would threaten the country’s hard-won Test status. Under such a system, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe would be relegated to playing the Intercontinental Cup against associate nations, with limited chances to challenge the top-tier Test teams. The BCB's advocacy against this system bore fruit when the ICC added a clause affirming that all member nations could play in all formats of cricket, with participation based on “meritocracy.” On this assurance, Papon quieted his opposition and, ultimately, lent his support to the revised proposal.
Papon’s decision appeared, at face value, a triumph for Bangladesh. His priority was safeguarding Bangladesh’s Test status, and he achieved that. However, this stance raised questions about his broader responsibilities to the global cricket community. Bangladesh, though not yet a top-tier power, is nevertheless an integral part of the world cricket structure. Shouldn’t the board have considered the wider impact of the proposal, beyond immediate security for their own Test status?
With Papon’s endorsement, the Big Three were left with only one vote short of passing their constitutional amendments. Bangladesh's backing seemed to tip the scales in their favour. At Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport, Papon painted his acceptance as a victory, stating: “We will be in a better position than others. We haven’t been to India in 14 years. We will go there to play Tests, and they will come here too. We will go to England; Australia will come here.” His remarks, however, seemed strangely uncritical, as though the mere prospect of a high-profile series justified the decision.
Yet, were these promises made by the Big Three concrete? Was there a binding, written assurance? Given the BCCI’s long-standing issues with fulfilling its bilateral commitments to Pakistan, it’s entirely possible that Bangladesh, too, could face an empty promise. Without a written contract, Bangladesh could find itself sidelined by wealthier, busier cricket boards whose schedules are increasingly full with domestic leagues and high-value bilateral series.
Furthermore, did Papon fully comprehend the implications of the “meritocracy” clause? Al-Amin, a sports journalist with Bangladesh’s Daily Star, dissected this term and suggested that it might be a veiled pretext for relegating less financially lucrative teams to the sidelines in the longer formats. He pointed out that the ICC has already implemented “merit-based” selections in limited-overs formats, resulting in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe playing qualifying phases for major tournaments. Thus, the “meritocracy” language may be less about fair play and more about sidelining smaller teams from regular competition with elite sides.
The phrase “no immunity to any country” also raises a red flag. If immunity doesn’t apply, then relegation remains a real possibility, placing Bangladesh’s Test future back on shaky ground. A superficial look at the proposal could create a sense of security, but a deeper analysis reveals vulnerabilities that threaten to erode Bangladesh's stability in world cricket.
Rather than aligning with the Big Three, Papon should have remained with Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, who continued to voice their concerns. Together, they might have leveraged a collective stance to challenge the legality of the Big Three's plan, even taking their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, if Papon signs the Member Participation Agreement (MPA) on February 8, he may lose the chance to stand with these cricket boards or seek legal recourse.
Indeed, should the promises made by the Big Three materialize, Bangladesh could benefit financially from more high-profile games with cricket’s wealthiest boards. Yet these benefits may prove fleeting, a temporary inflow of funds masking the longer-term challenges that could arise from conceding so much influence to three powerful boards. Verbal assurances from “cunning minds,” as critics have called the Big Three, hold little weight against the unpredictable currents of global cricket politics.
While Bangladeshi fans may initially rejoice at Papon’s promises of prosperity, looking beyond the short-term gains is essential. Bangladesh’s loyalty to world cricket’s traditional values is part of its identity, a badge of honour hard-won and not easily sacrificed. In this turbulent landscape, one can only hope that Papon’s decisions do not ultimately compromise the broader integrity of the sport. For cricket fans who cherish the unpredictable beauty of this game, preserving the spirit and equality of world cricket should remain the top priority, above fleeting financial gain.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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