BCB rewards Shakib, Taskin and Liton for choosing national team over IPL

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) rewarded three cricketers-Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das and Taskin Ahmed, to value the national team commitment over Indian Premier League (IPL) razzmatazz with a total of USD 65,000.

Terming it just a small gesture on BCB’s part, Jalal Younus, the BCB Cricket Operations Chairman, said that the cash would be split three ways between Shakib, Liton and Taskin.

“It’s a small gesture from the BCB. The players didn’t demand anything but we felt that they should be compensated for their commitment, at least partially if not fully,” Younus told the reporters today.

But he made it clear that this would not be a regular practice as the country’s duty should be the top priority.

“Playing for the country, for the national team should be unconditional. The board always stands by the players. The board also considers it case-by-case and the players’ well-being is one of our top priorities,” Younus added.

Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das were picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders in the last IPL but the board denied them NOC, considering Bangladesh’s series against Ireland at home.

Shakib was sold for his base price of RS 1.50 crore (USD 18.30 lakh) and Liton also went for his base price of RS 50 Lakh ( USD 61,000).

The BCB agreed to give NOC both of them after the one-off Test against Ireland and Liton played one match for KKR before leaving the lucrative tournament to play away ODI series against Ireland.

Shakib, meanwhile, pulled out of the whole competition, which many believe could have been his last IPL appearance.

Taskin went unsold in the auction but Jalal Younus said the pacer who has been in red-hot form over the last two years was offered a place as an injury replacement.

Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi players to play in the IPL last season but appeared in only two matches for Delhi Capitals. (BSS)