BCB 'salutes' Tamim for instructing Old DOHS to play the First Division League

The Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) announced yet another deferment of the First Division League, which will now begin on December 14, the CCDM stated at a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.

The start of the league has been pushed back multiple times after 44 clubs protested alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections and declared a boycott of all domestic competitions.

Initially scheduled to start on November 18, the First Division League was first deferred to November 25. BCB president Aminul Islam had later announced a revised start date of December 11.

The league has now been postponed to December 14 due to complications with ground preparations, CCDM chairman Adnan Rahman said at the briefing.

Although only 12 of the 20 First Division clubs took part in players' transfers, Adnan confirmed that fixtures have been prepared with all 20 teams included.

"We are trying to hold the opening match at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. We have prepared fixtures with 20 teams," Adnan said.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal -- one of the club councillors who boycotted the BCB elections -- has instructed his club, Old DOHS, to participate in the league. The BCB "saluted" Tamim in a statement on Wednesday and welcomed the decision.

BCB vice-president Faruque Ahmed also weighed in, stressing that on-field cricket should not suffer because of external issues.

"Whatever happened in the elections has no bearing on whether matches should be organised. There are many ways to protest. But once the scheduled window for holding matches passes, we cannot regain that time. I believe the matches must take place for the benefit of the players and the game itself. Other matters can be dealt with separately if needed," Faruque said during the press conference.

Faruque added that the contributions of the clubs to Bangladesh cricket could not be understated. He also said the board had not received any formal letter from the protesting clubs regarding the boycott, although those clubs claim to have sent one addressed to BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury.

The BCB reiterated its call for all clubs to participate and said it would act according to bylaws previously communicated to them.