The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced an increase in salaries and match fees for cricketers following its 18th board meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.
While specific figures were not disclosed, BCB's Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedin Fahim confirmed the increment, with Test cricketers set to receive a slightly higher raise compared to others.
"There is obviously a number regarding how many players will be in the central contract, but I do not want to disclose it at this moment because the number may increase or decrease after review. But all I can say is that it has been approved," Fahim stated.
At present, cricketers earn BDT two lakh per T20 match, BDT tree lakh per ODI and BDT six lakh per Test. Although a match fee increment was proposed last year, it did not materialize and a performance-based bonus system was introduced. The board also approved salary contracts for 100 first-class cricketers for the year 2025.
In addition to financial decisions, the BCB approved the formation of the BCB Welfare Trust and its Trustee members. The board also accepted the resignation of national team selector Hannan Sarkar, who stepped down to focus on his coaching career. The search for a third selector to join Gazi Ashraf Hossain and Abdur Razzak is now underway.
The BCB expressed satisfaction with the current national team coaching staff, with Head Coach Phil Simmons and Senior Assistant Coach Mohammad Salahuddin under contract until the Champions Trophy. Fahim hinted at extending their contracts stating, "We are satisfied with the coaches who are with us at the moment. We will contact them again. If we can't reach a consensus, we will have to look for someone from outside." The board is also actively seeking a high-quality fielding coach.
Additionally, former national athlete and Olympian Fouzia Huda Jui has been appointed as the National Women's Team Strength & Conditioning Coach for six months.
The board also confirmed that the international cricket stadium at Purbachal has been renamed the National Cricket Ground (NCG) marking a shift in BCB's long-term infrastructural plans.
