Dhaka Premier League is all set to resume amid COVID-19 threat

The Dhaka Premier League’s 2019-20 season will likely to resume amid COVID-19 pandemic, as discussed in a virtual meeting between Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and several Bangladeshi cricketers and the players association.

Kazi Inam Ahmed, chairman of the cricket committee of the Dhaka Metropolis team, said that attempt has been made to ensure that the board, clubs, and players should be ready to participate in the league in two week’s notice whatever that time might be.

“Players want to get back to playing but the BCB has to decide after talking to different government bodies and agencies. We cannot mention a particular date because we haven’t reached that stage yet. But I want the clubs to be prepared for a two-weeks’ notice. The same goes for players and our facilities. We have to get things in order now so that we can turn things around in a short time,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Ahmed as saying.

The meeting was attended by senior players like Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, board directors Naimur Rahman and Khaled Mahmud (who are also president and vice-president of the players’ association respectively), and several other stakeholders.

As per the reports, the facilities at Bangladesh Krira Shikhkha Protishthan (BKSP) and the stadium in Cox’s Bazar will be used.

“I can have players and staff in complete isolation at BKSP and Cox’s Bazar. I will be doing an internal assessment because I want to make sure we have enough facilities in these two venues,” Ahmed said.

The players association has requested BCB to give them at least 50 per cent of their agreed fees.