BCB feeling bullish as perception shifts

Bangladesh

Ahead of the ICC’s recent meeting in Dubai it seemed Bangladesh would side with India and vote against a revised financial model.

BCB President Nazmul Hassan however opted to vote for the proposed changes that would see his nation given a greater share of revenue.

Hassan feels that a bigger slice pie would enable Bangladesh to grow in the global cricket market and shake off the perception that they are the poor cousins of India and Pakistan in Asia.

Under the new model Bangladesh will earn US$132 million in the 2015-2023 rights cycle, up from $76 million under the ‘big three’ model.

The launch of the Bangladesh Premier League and the hosting of ICC events as well as a competitive international men’s team are encouraging signs for cricket in the country.

At a press briefing in Dhaka Hassan said: “There used to be a notion that Bangladesh doesn’t generate any revenue, that the market here is weak.

“But I think Bangladesh generates more revenue than many nations. Bangladeshi companies are sponsoring our away tours. The market here has changed. I asked them to reevaluate our situation, because now there’s a new perspective about Bangladesh.

“We used to get $76 million but now are going to get $132 million [during the eight-year cycle]. This means while we used to get $9.5 million per year, the amount will be $16.5 million per year. It is almost double, a big boon for Bangladesh.”

Hassan has been pushing hard for Bangladesh to be given a greater share of revenue not just for their improved performance but also because of their potential for growth.

The BCB head added: “Bangladesh deserved to get more [revenue] than West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka whichever criteria is being considered.

“Performance is not the only factor. My first objective was to increase Bangladesh’s share. We agreed on the financial model that not just Bangladesh, everyone else should get more money.

“When I am at the ICC, I have two roles. I am an ICC director so I have to consider everyone, I cannot leave out anyone. But because I was representing Bangladesh as the BCB president, I have to look at Bangladesh’s interest. So definitely, I feel this model is highly acceptable.”

Hassan insisted that the direction they voted does not indicate that they don’t support India in their concerns about the model.

He said: “India’s concern is only with the finances. We support them for everything.

“I spoke to the BCCI, and assured them of our support in everything. But I cannot support Bangladesh getting less money. I personally believe that the BCCI is against this model. They have no problem with the amount we are getting, but they are trying to come up with a new formula.

“There’s still time till June although it won’t go to the AGM since this is not part of the constitution.

“If they can give us an agreeable proposal by June, we will agree with it. If they can find a logical way to show that they should get more money, we would have no objections. I feel, that’s what they will do. They will come with a new formula, which we can all agree upon, and the issue will be solved.”

Bangladesh BCB BCCI ICC

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