BCB TV in the offing

Bangladesh fans often face difficulties watching live games, particularly in away series.

The latest example was the recently concluded Ireland-Bangladesh series when fans had to log in to ICC TV to see live action. 

Now the Bangladesh Cricket Board is planning to open its own BCB TV to get rid of broadcasting issues. 

BCB has decided to apply for its own TV channel which will be named as BCB TV.

“We will apply for BCB TV. Hopefully we will get it soon. We will telecast our local and international, all kind of matches there,” said BCB president Nazmul Hasan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium premises Monday after the eighth board meeting of the board of directors of current term.

Prior to the Ireland series, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding live broadcast of the last edition of the Bangladesh Premier League too as T Sports and Gazi TV did not show any interest to telecast the country’s premier Twenty20 competition.

Nagorik TV then came forward with live broadcast, much to the relief of cricket fans in the country.

“Before BPL, we noticed none were interested during the bidding of the broadcasting rights. This is quite unfortunate for us. We also observed that the franchise leagues of Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates and South Africa were broadcast live here but there is no interest for our BPL. That’s why we thought we must do something about it,” said the BCB boss. 

Major outcomes from the eighth meeting of the BCB Board of Directors –

* The purchase of land in Pubail, Gazipur, and in Purbachal, Narayanganj for developing cricket grounds has been approved. Additionally, it has been decided that land will be purchased in Chittagong and Bogra for the purpose.

* In principle, it was approved to take immediate measures for the renovation of the inner and outer grounds of Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah to make these playable.

* The board has granted approval for the installation of new and advanced indoor cricket practice turfs at the existing indoor centers across the country including in Chittagong and Sylhet.

* It was agreed in principle to initiate the process of obtaining the license for BCB TV.

* The board approved the salary increase for centrally contracted women players, totaling 25 players. Additionally, the match fees for One Day International and Twenty20 International matches for women players were also approved to be increased.

* The salary contracts and salary enhancement for 2023 were approved for 77 first-class cricketers.

* The BCB Regional Cricket Association Guidelines-2022 were approved, and the endorsement of Regional (Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Rajshahi) Ad-hoc Committees was also granted.

* Match fees for the Bangladesh A Team has been increased for four-day, one-day, and T20 formats.