New-look NCL seeks to strengthen Test culture

The introduction of baggy caps for captains, changes to the first-class financial structure and the return of Kookaburra balls are set to bring a new look to the National Cricket League (NCL), which begins on October 3, with hopes of strengthening Bangladesh’s Test culture through first-class cricket.

For Chattogram Division captain Yasir Ali, the “baggy cap carries a lot of prestige, especially for those of who love Test cricket”.

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“Despite debuting in 2012, this is my first NCL ceremony of this kind. I was really excited when I heard about it,” Yasir said at the press conference during the captains’ meet on Wednesday.

“Since this is happening in Bangladesh for the first time, players will be eager to make their first-class debuts, as has been the case with the national team,” he added.

Sylhet captain Zakir Hasan spoke poignantly about the effect that these new changes are having on the country’s Test culture.

“Financial support now makes it possible to compete at that level and helps build a stronger Test culture. First-class cricket hasn’t always been appreciated enough, even though it is the pathway to Test cricket.

“I hope this initiative helps people understand the value and pride of being a first-class and Test cricketer, and what the baggy cap represents,” Zakir said.

Sylhet has been the provider of pace prowess across the NCL and the national team. While the NCL may not have a direct correlation and has often been unjustly called a picnic league, the bowlers have raised the mark in recent years, especially the pacers.

“We are currently fourth in the WTC, and we no longer face as many problems against 135-140 kph deliveries,” Zakir said. “The seven-eight pacers in our side do everything, from gym to bowling sessions, and are one hundred per cent ready. This culture makes it harder to face our team.”

But the introduction of Kookaburra means bowlers will have a tougher time compared to the last few years, when Dukes were in use. It is a fine balance, since batsmanship also needs development and, with Kookaburra, spin will once again have a vital role.

“We often talk about flat wickets, but even on flat ones, bowlers can produce something. It will be a healthy competition as it was last year,” Zakir said.

Akbar believes that the NCL also brings commitment, which his side Rangpur have shown over the years. “We don’t have big names, but we play good cricket as a team. I believe good guidance and commitment is the biggest difference-maker,” defending champions Rangpur’s skipper Akbar said.

Veteran Khulna skipper Mohammad Mithun could not even compare the current NCL to the time he debuted.

“When I began playing, the daily allowance was 800 Taka and if you played 10 matches, you got fifty thousand taka,” Mithun said. “Now we are getting better in various aspects and doing better in Tests too, so hoping the [domestic] structure gets to that level too.”