Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has provided a guideline for the cricketers in case of going on Facebook Live or streaming on other online and social media platforms, report agencies.
Cricketers remain under house arrest due to the COVID-19 crisis. Although some countries have started practicing and will go on competitive cricket from July, it is still uncertain in Bangladesh.
However, during this captivity, many cricketers around the world have chosen other mediums to do interaction with their fans and teammates.
In the meantime, the chat of the cricketers on Facebook Live has received a great response and created a buzz across the world. Bangladesh cricketers were not left out either.
Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim also came on live for the fans. However, the live programme of Tamim’s made a great impression among all where players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Wasim Akram and Faf du Plessis came on his live and had friendly conversations.
Initially, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) praised the live programme. However, a few days ago, the ICC warned the cricketers about this live show.
They have written to each board in this regard. In particular, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACSU) feels that the gamblers can offer cricketers through the live chat programme.
Regarding the ICC letter, Akram Khan, chairman of the cricket operations committee of the BCB, said that players know what they have to do and if the letter from ICC gave any sort of instruction, we will surely have a discussion on it.
“When we sign contracts with cricketers, we give them restrictions and guidelines to them. Cricketers know what to do when they come on live,” Akram Khan said.
“Now if there is anything new in the letter given by the ICC, we will definitely discuss it. And now the cricketers have to follow the guidelines that we have given,” Akram said a Bengali daily.
On the other hand, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury has also spoken about the matter in the same manner.
“At the time of contract with every cricketer, it is mentioned how they will behave or what to do, what can be said or not done in front of the TV to social media. Cricketers are aware of these issues.
The ICC has warned and of course we are looking into the matter. If there is anything to be said, it will be decided after discussion,” Nizamuddin Chowdhury said.
“I can’t say right now, I have to look at the rules. But they have to appear on social media as per the guidelines we have,” Chowdhury added.
The ICC has also banned cricketers from taking their families on overseas tours. BCB CEO said regarding the matter that they will inform cricketers about the rules more precisely before they have any overseas series.
“Look, we haven’t confirmed any series yet. Not even the tour of Sri Lanka. That's why we are not thinking about it yet. The cricketers will be informed before the series as per the rules,” Nizamuddin added.
Akram Khan, who is also an executive director of the BCB voiced the same about the subject.
“In the current situation, it is not yet certain when Bangladesh will go on a foreign tour. That’s why we are not thinking about it right now. We will observe the situation and then we will make a decision before any series,” BCB director added.
