BCB launches major review of cricket pathway, plans eight regional hubs

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has initiated a major review of the country's cricket pathway structure, with the aim of strengthening grassroots development, age-group cricket, and the long-term progression of players and coaches.

The decision was announced on Wednesday (February 4) following a comprehensive discussion held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The meeting was chaired by BCB president Aminul Islam.

The session was attended by directors Nazmul Abedin, Khaled Mashud, Khan Abdur Razzak and Amzad Hussain, along with CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of the national selection panel Gazi Ashraf Hossain, tournaments manager Abu Emam Mohammed Kawsar, national team senior assistant coach Mohammed Salahuddin, senior coaches Mizanur Rahman Babul and Shohel Islam, national selector Hasibul Hossain, national team batting coach Mohammad Ashraful, HP in-charge Jamal Uddin Babu and women's cricket in-charge Bulbul Bashar.

Among the key proposals discussed was the introduction of a National Cricket Academy programme for Under-23 players as part of the broader pathway framework.

"The meeting reviewed the existing structure of grassroots and age-group cricket, assessing its effectiveness and identifying key areas for improvement. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to revisit the age-group selection process and to conduct a thorough evaluation of current age verification procedures to ensure transparency and credibility," BCB said in a statement.

"Among the major points discussed was the proposal to introduce an incentive system for coaches who successfully develop players within their respective domains. The meeting also highlighted the importance of establishing a comprehensive player database covering all participants in domestic competitions to support long-term planning and performance tracking," it added.

"Issues related to the salary structure of divisional and district coaches were discussed, along with the need to define a clear and structured career pathway for coaches to ensure professional growth and progression. It was further agreed that a Curriculum Review Committee should be formed to reassess and update the existing coaches' training and game education curriculum," the statement said.

BCB officials also announced plans to launch eight cricket hubs across the country, with 137 wickets set to be prepared in the first phase.

The hubs will be established in Khulna, Barishal, Fatullah, Cox's Bazar, Bogura, Rajshahi, BKSP and Purbachal. According to the plan, 15 wickets will be prepared in Khulna, 23 in Barishal, eight in Cox's Bazar, 10 in Bogura, 12 in Rajshahi, 13 in Fatullah, 19 at BKSP grounds No. 3 and 4, and 13 in Purbachal.

The wickets, covering practice, match and outer grounds, are expected to be ready by May-June. BCB officials said the successful implementation of the plan would make district leagues easier to organise from next season.

"From a cricketing perspective, this is a massive initiative. If we can make this work, the first phase will be completed successfully and if we can finish the work by June, leagues outside Dhaka could be organized very smoothly from next season," BCB director Abdur Razzak said.