Green-tops wanted for NCL

Once again the selectors asked for green-top pitches for the four-day National Cricket League (NCL), which will start from September 25.

Although their track record of keeping this promise is not encouraging, Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB's) director and tournament committee chairman Saiful Islam Swapan said yesterday that they have prepared bouncy tracks in all four venues in Bogra, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet as per the selectors' desire.

Chief selector Minhajul Abedin was also hopeful this time. “We were asking for green-top pitches as we have the New Zealand tour after the two home series against Afghanistan and England. I am hopeful this time the matches will be played on pitches prepared as per our desire.”

Selector Habibul Bashar echoed the sentiment. “The NCL is going to take place on fresh pitches as the season will start with this first-class tournament. And there is a three-day gap between matches, so we can hope for the best. I think the national players will be benefited if they can play some matches on green pitches ahead of the New Zealand tour.”

Swapan informed that they have decided to increase the match fee of the players from Tk 21,000 to Tk 25,000 this year.