BCB counters boycott threat with relegation rule

The standoff between several Dhaka-based clubs and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) deepened on Monday, with the clubs issuing a letter to threaten a boycott of all leagues and the board responding by adding a clause guaranteeing relegation for non-participation.

A total of 43 Dhaka-based clubs from across four divisions sent a letter to the BCB after a meeting on Monday, claiming grievances over the recent BCB elections and said they will refrain from all leagues organised under the current administration.

Eight Premier Division, eight First Division, 12 Second Division and 15 Third Division clubs signed the letter which was sent to the BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury.

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"We had a meeting regarding the letter we sent and discussed that we have to be united and together on this move through thick and thin," Legends of Rupganj owner Lutfor Rahman Badol told The Daily Star following their meeting at Dhanmondi on Monday.

The letter read that clubs had already lodged a formal complaint on October 22 to the BCB Chief Election Commissioner concerning "grave irregularities and procedural violations" surrounding BCB elections, demanded the current board be dissolved and a fresh elections be held.

Just hours later, the BCB endorsed a non-participation and withdrawal clause in the rules, regulations, and playing conditions of all leagues under the jurisdiction of the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM).

"If any team fails to participate in the league, either in full or partially, including complete withdrawal from the competition after its commencement, such action shall result in the immediate disqualification and relegation of the defaulting team," the BCB said in a press release sent on Monday night.

The impact of this standoff could be felt in the upcoming First Division Cricket League, scheduled from November 18. The league usually consists of 20 teams, but if the aggrieved clubs follow through on their threat, it could end up becoming a 12-team competition.