Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal has revealed plans to introduce a 2nd XI Championship within the National Cricket League (NCL), drawing inspiration from the structure of England’s County Championship.
The proposed competition is expected to follow the model of the 2nd XI County Championship, which serves as a platform for reserve players across England’s 18 first-class counties. Featuring both three-day and one-day matches, it plays a key role in developing emerging talent and providing opportunities for fringe cricketers. The BCB is likely to begin with a three-day format before expanding further.
Explaining the reasoning behind the move, Tamim highlighted the imbalance in opportunities within Bangladesh’s domestic structure.
“If you look at the design of Bangladesh cricket, you will see that maximum cricket is centered around just one segment of players. Those who play for the national team are the ones playing BPL, BCL, and NCL. One segment of players are getting the chance to play 5-6 tournaments,” Tamim told reporters on Thursday.
He added, “But for those who play the third division, second division, or first division, there is no cricket for them other than playing those specific leagues. Because of this, there are very few instances in our cricketing history where a player has made it to the national team from the second or third division. This is because we could never create that platform.”
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The initiative is expected to come into effect from the current season, with each NCL team fielding both a First XI and a Second XI.
“So, we have all collectively made a decision and, Inshallah, we will start from this season.
“From now on, when the NCL starts, Chittagong will have two teams – First XI and Second XI. Dhaka will also have two teams. In this way, every team will have a First and Second XI”, he said.
Tamim noted that the new structure would expand participation significantly.
“When we start the Second XI, you are basically engaging another 100-150 or 200 cricketers,” he added.
He also pointed out how the system would address selection challenges and reduce reliance on ad hoc player inclusion.
“The advantage here is, for example, Dhaka is playing an NCL match, and two days later they have a game against Rajshahi. Suppose Rajshahi has four left-handed batsmen and Dhaka doesn’t have an off-spinner in the team. What do we do then? We pick up an off-spinner from here or there and make him play. The term ‘picnic cricket’ arises regarding the National League. It’s not just the cricketers, we are also responsible for that. Because we are the ones who created that culture. Now, no one will have to be picked up from their home; that off-spinner will be playing in the 2nd XI, and the first XI can give him an opportunity in the National League based on his performance,” he said.
The BCB is also set to provide standard facilities and match fees to players involved in the 2nd XI setup, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening domestic competition.
Tamim used the example of England pacer Jofra Archer to illustrate how the system could aid player recovery and development.
“Let me give another example: when Taskin Ahmed gets injured, after returning from injury, we send him to a first-class match and tell him not to bowl more than 6 overs. Why should we have these rules and regulations in a first-class match? Taskin Ahmed will go to the second XI; there, he can do his buildup in a relaxed way. If you look at the example of Jofra Archer, after returning from injury, his first match was for the second XI,” he said.
He emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance Bangladesh cricket’s structure.
“These things we are doing are for the development of Bangladesh cricket. There will be elections in the future, and anyone might come in, but if we can leave this system established, I hope it will be good for Bangladesh cricket. From our side, we have completed the process and the budgeting,” he said.
In addition to structural reforms, Tamim announced plans for infrastructure upgrades, including a 27,000 square feet canopy shade at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and the installation of solar panels to improve energy efficiency.
He also confirmed that discussions around the next BCB election are ongoing, with a roadmap expected after a meeting of the ad-hoc committee scheduled for May 3.
“Regarding the election, I will talk with everyone in a board meeting next Sunday (May 3) and start the process. If the process starts the election will be held within 30-45 days, which is two-three weeks ahead of the deadline.
“We are taking a legal opinion on how to move forward. I had a lot of complaints with regards to the way representatives are taken from districts and divisions. Whatever is right constitutionally, we will conduct the election that way,” he said, adding that he doesn’t have any intention to resign from his post as ad-hoc committee head.
The developments follow the National Sports Council’s decision on April 7 to dissolve the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led BCB over “huge-scale irregularities” in the previous board election. An 11-member ad-hoc committee, led by Tamim, was subsequently formed to oversee operations and conduct fresh elections within 90 days.
