BCB warns boycotting clubs as First Division League set for December 14

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has warned protesting clubs they must look for alternatives if they continue their boycott of cricket.

The warning came during a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium attended by BCB officials.

Protests broke out in Dhaka's club cricket after the recent BCB election, with a group of club organisers alleging the election was biased. At one stage, 45 of 72 clubs across various divisions aligned with the protest and announced a boycott of all Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM)-run competitions.

The standoff forced multiple postponements of the First Division League.

BCB vice-president Faruque Ahmed said the board is determined to start the league on December 14. He warned any club failing to take part would face consequences under league bylaws, which allow for teams to be scrapped and demoted.

"Before the tournament starts, every team receives the bylaws. Everything is clearly written there… The playing conditions and the bylaws explain very clearly what will happen if a team doesn't take part," Faruque said.

He stressed further delays would harm cricket and players, and that the BCB has a responsibility to keep cricket going despite administrative disputes.

"If club cricket does not take place, there will still be tournaments. The board will obviously find a way to keep the players on the field… But then the clubs' demands won't stand," he said.

Faruque praised former national captain Tamim Iqbal for his "mature and responsible" stance. Tamim, an influential figure among protesting organisers, has urged his club, Old DOHS Sports Club, to participate in the league.

"We welcome him again for his dedication to the game. Tamim also realised that not having cricket is extremely damaging for Bangladesh cricket and for the players," Faruque said.

BCB and CCDM officials confirmed the Dhaka First Division Cricket League will begin on December 14. The opening fixture is expected at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

"The First Division League was supposed to start on the 11th. Due to some ground complications, we are starting on the 14th. We will publish the fixtures today," said CCDM chairman Adnan Rahman Dipon.

Dipon clarified that, despite public boycott statements, neither the BCB nor CCDM has received any formal withdrawal letters.

"Officially, we will keep all 20 teams because we have only received verbal messages regarding the boycott. So we are publishing the fixtures with all 20 teams included," he said.

As of Wednesday, clubs confirmed to participate include Shinepukur Cricket Club, Uttara Cricket Club, Bangladesh Police Cricket Club, Sheikh Jamal Cricketers, Lalmatia Club, Bashundhara Riders, Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club, Old DOHS Sports Club, Dhaka Spartans Cricket Club, Blues Cricketers, Baridhara Dazzles, and BKSP. Eight other clubs remain reluctant to take part.