The domestic cricket season is going to get underway with the National Cricket League (NCL) next month. And with another season around the corner, the same old question comes to the fore; will we again hear people bracket the tournament as 'picnic cricket'?

When asked, tournament committee chairman Akram Khan failed to provide any encouraging news regarding the season's curtain-raising first-class competition.

"We are going to begin the first round from September 17 or 18 so that the national players can play one round before the Eid break. Honestly we are trying to give it proper shape, but it lacks the proper pace," said the former national skipper.

It's been heard from all quarters-- including from the national team coach and captain's -- that only a good domestic structure can further augment the sport in Bangladesh and help players perform in Tests. However, the reality is that the board is arranging this important competition without any pre-season preparations. With just twenty days in hand, the preliminary teams have not yet been finalised, let alone the match venues.

"I know no pre-season preparation means that the players will not be able to give their best, so you cannot expect competitiveness. But the board is trying their best to provide all forms of support. I believe that everyone should come forward and make the tournament meaningful. The divisions should take responsibility," continued Akram.

Interestingly, the board is paying salaries to a number of first-class players. However, the board is doing so blindly, without monitoring who is getting the money or why.

"About 80 to 90 cricketers are getting monthly salaries. And while I must say it's a good initiative, we have to think about its utility. We are wondering whether we can increase match fees to make sure the genuine ones are getting the money," added Akram.

Another issue that the national team player's have been moaning about for a long time are sporting pitches. And every time such a concern is aired, the authorities make empty promises. Even yesterday, Akram promised that they would provide sporting wickets, though the match venues are still not finalised.

"I took charge as the tournament committee chairman less than a year ago and I had to arrange last season's tournament under difficult circumstances which made it challenging to finish the league on time. Unfortunately there is always a reason behind the proper arrangement of this tournament and this season we are facing problems with the grounds as the ICC Under-19 World Cup is approaching," said Akram.

"We are also considering Pabna as a venue, but we will only decide after we visit the facilities. Although venues are proving troublesome, we will still try out best to provide sporting wickets. We made it a two-tier competition to breed competitiveness among the divisions and players, but we need to do a lot more things to improve our standards and we must do so fast," admitted Akram.

At the end of the day however, it's crystal clear that although we will see one or two changes, one cannot expect to see any big changes this season either.