Season 16 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has commenced, and there has been news of an IPL ban on Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan players participating in the tournament. However, it comes as no surprise that the league has garnered immense fan interest once again. This season features some fresh regulations, such as granting captains the authority to choose their team combinations after the toss and enabling a 12th substitute player to replace an active player at any point during the match, regardless of their playing position.
However, this is just one side of the image as the other side looks pretty gloomy and dark for the Bangladesh and Sri Lankan players as the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) is looking to put a shadow ban on them from IPL because of their availability issues in the ongoing tournament.
IPL Ban from the History Books
All cricket-playing countries except for Pakistan are allowed to play in the world’s most lucrative league financially. The reason why Pakistan isn’t part of this setup is because of the political tensions that are ever-growing among the two closely linked neighbours.
Not only IPL, but the effect of the IPL ban is also widespread as the green shirts are not bothered to be picked in any franchise team across the globe that is owned or linked by or with an Indian organization or individual.
Also read Asia Cup 2023: India-Pakistan Rivalry Rekindles in Anticipation of the Historic Visit!
IPL Ban on Bengali Tigers and the Islanders? Why?
As IPL is the only league in the world that is the part of Future tour program of the International Cricket Council so almost no teams remain busy during the IPL season but this time it’s a bit different as Bangladesh is busy playing Ireland at their home where they are also scheduled to play a one-off historic test match with the Irish while on the other hand, Sri Lanka is busy playing New Zealand in a series where they had World Cup direct qualification on the line but unfortunately, they couldn’t make it. However, they are further scheduled to host Ireland for a 2-match test series in Galle. So, this led BCCI to take such a decision.
Are star players opting out, A matter of Ego for BCCI?
Well, BCCI almost dictates the terms of cricket worldwide and enjoys great respect in the ranks of the International Cricket Council. Not only this, but BCCI is also one of the major financial and broadcast partners in all the ICC events. Nobody at the Indian Cricketing body would have thought to face such resistance which it has received in the past few weeks starting from the Asia cup fiasco with Pakistan and the decisions from the officials at BCB and SLC.
Also read: Is IPL Losing Its Charm?
What they had to say?
Nazmul Hasan Papon, BCB chairman while highlighting the issue said:
“You see, I have been asked about this issue over and over again, and I’ve given a single answer. Before they were called into the IPL auction, they, IPL officials, asked us about the players’ availability and we gave them the schedule. And knowing this, they proceeded with the auction. I don’t see any option for them to be unavailable for the Bangladesh games. It’s not like we had told them that we might think about it, then there would’ve been some doubt. We have made it clear. I don’t see any chance of a change of heart, to be honest.”
An IPL franchise official talking to a local sports media website told:
“It is what it is. We can’t complain because it is the BCCI that negotiates with the boards. But of course, franchises will be skeptical about picking players from certain countries. As you see, Taskin did not get the NOC, and now this. If they don’t want their players to play, they should not register.
But, for sure, the perception about Bangladeshi players will change in the future.”
BCCI fumed at the development and the statement came out was quite a show of anger by them,
“It is completely up to the players to convince their boards. England, NZ, and other prominent boards have figured out a way to maintain the status quo. Nobody can deny the popularity of IPL and by releasing players, boards get their share as well. But if they decide otherwise, it’s up to them.”
List of Players from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in IPL 16 and their availability
- Wanindu Hasaranga (RCB) – available from 8th April
- Matheesha Pathirana (CSK) – available from 8th April
- Maheesh Theekshana (CSK) – available from 8th April
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa (PBSK) – available
- Litton Das (KKR) – unavailable till 8th April, unavailable from 7th to 14th May
- Shakib ul Hasan (KKR) – unavailable till 8th April, unavailable from 7th to 14th May
- Mustafizur Rehman (DC) – unavailable till 8th April, unavailable from 7th to 14th May
