Israfil Khosru highlights quick action on players’ salary demands
A New Era for Domestic Cricket in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is currently navigating a transformative period under its latest ad-hoc committee. Nearing the two-month mark of their tenure, the board has successfully tackled one of the most persistent issues in the domestic game: the financial welfare of first-class cricketers. By prioritizing a long-overdue salary hike, the committee has set a clear agenda focused on player retention and professional development.
Addressing a Long-Standing Grievance
For years, the domestic cricket circuit in Bangladesh was plagued by stagnation regarding player remuneration. Despite repeated calls for better pay and adjusted match fees to keep pace with the rising cost of living and the professional demands of the sport, previous administrations largely failed to implement meaningful reforms. This historical neglect often left players feeling undervalued, leading to concerns about the long-term sustainability of the domestic structure.
However, the dynamic shift brought by the current leadership—under the guidance of figures like Tamim Iqbal—has proven that structural changes do not necessarily require years of deliberation. The decision to increase both monthly retainers and match fees for both male and female cricketers was pushed through during only the second board meeting of the new committee.
The Rationale Behind the Reforms
Speaking on the BCB’s Char Chokka podcast, BCB ad-hoc committee member and Finance Committee Chairman Israfil Khosru provided insight into the urgency of this decision. According to Khosru, the bureaucratic hurdles often cited in the past were more a matter of will than of feasibility.
“If you truly want to do something like this, it can be done in a single board meeting,” Khosru stated. “We increased the salaries of first-class cricketers, both men and women, during only our second board meeting. In my opinion, this was something the players deserved for a long time. It could have been done earlier, but we came in and made it happen.”
Recognizing the Player’s Contribution
Beyond the administrative victory, there is a strong sentiment within the board that this was not a charity or a special bonus, but a baseline necessity. Khosru emphasized that the players are the bedrock of the entire cricketing ecosystem in the nation. Without supporting the individuals who perform on the field, the board cannot hope to advance the quality or reach of Bangladesh cricket.
“The players are very happy, and they deserve it. We are not giving them anything extra. This is something they have earned,” Khosru noted. His philosophy centers on the idea that professional success is inextricably linked to the well-being of the workforce. “You cannot move Bangladesh cricket forward while ignoring the players. They are at the heart of everything.”
Looking Toward the Future
As the BCB moves closer to its upcoming elections scheduled for June 7, the actions of the current committee serve as a benchmark for what can be achieved through decisive leadership. Israfil Khosru himself is set to contest the election from Category-2, aiming to cement his role in the board’s future development. As the domestic season continues, the increased financial security for players is expected to boost morale and foster a more competitive environment, ultimately aiming to elevate the standard of cricket across all levels of the game in Bangladesh.
