BCB initiates major overhaul of cricket pathway structure to boost grassroots and age-group development

In a bid to reshape the future of cricket in the country, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has launched an extensive assessment of its pathway structure, focusing on grassroots growth, age-group improvement, and sustainable development for players and coaches.

The decision was confirmed on Wednesday (February 4) after a detailed meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, chaired by BCB president Aminul Islam, with key figures from Bangladesh cricket’s development and high-performance setup in attendance.

The meeting was attended by board directors Nazmul Abedin, Khaled Mashud, Khan Abdur Razzak and Amzad Hussain, alongside CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury. Senior figures from the cricketing setup, including national selection panel chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain, tournaments manager Abu Emam Mohammed Kawsar, national team senior assistant coach Mohammed Salahuddin, senior coaches Mizanur Rahman Babul and Shohel Islam, selector Hasibul Hossain, batting coach Mohammad Ashraful, HP in-charge Jamal Uddin Babu and women’s cricket in-charge Bulbul Bashar, were also present.

One of the key proposals discussed during the session was the introduction of a National Cricket Academy programme for Under-23 players, which would serve as a crucial bridge between age-group cricket and the senior national setup.

In an official statement, the BCB highlighted the focus areas of the review process.

“The meeting reviewed the existing structure of grassroots and age-group cricket, assessing its effectiveness and identifying key areas for improvement. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to revisit the age-group selection process and to conduct a thorough evaluation of current age verification procedures to ensure transparency and credibility,” BCB said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The board also underlined the importance of incentivising coaches and improving data-driven planning.

“Among the major points discussed was the proposal to introduce an incentive system for coaches who successfully develop players within their respective domains. The meeting also highlighted the importance of establishing a comprehensive player database covering all participants in domestic competitions to support long-term planning and performance tracking,” the statement added.

Coaching development formed another major pillar of the discussions, with the BCB acknowledging the need for clearer career progression and improved financial structures.

“Issues related to the salary structure of divisional and district coaches were discussed, along with the need to define a clear and structured career pathway for coaches to ensure professional growth and progression. It was further agreed that a Curriculum Review Committee should be formed to reassess and update the existing coaches’ training and game education curriculum,” the statement said.

Alongside structural reforms, the BCB also unveiled plans to establish eight cricket hubs across the country as part of a major infrastructure push. In the first phase, a total of 137 wickets will be prepared across Khulna, Barishal, Fatullah, Cox’s Bazar, Bogura, Rajshahi, BKSP and Purbachal.

The allocation includes 15 wickets in Khulna, 23 in Barishal, eight in Cox’s Bazar, 10 in Bogura, 12 in Rajshahi, 13 in Fatullah, 19 at BKSP grounds No. 3 and 4, and 13 in Purbachal.

BCB officials believe the initiative will significantly ease the organisation of district leagues from next season. Director Abdur Razzak emphasised the scale and potential impact of the project.

“From a cricketing perspective, this is a massive initiative. If we can make this work, the first phase will be completed successfully and if we can finish the work by June, leagues outside Dhaka could be organized very smoothly from next season,” Razzak said.