In a conversation, Obeid Rashid Nizam, Director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, passionately describes the flourishing landscape of youth cricket in Bangladesh while highlighting the meticulous structuring of development programs contributing to the nation’s robust talent pipeline.
The evolution of Bangladesh cricket has been a remarkable journey of resilience and achievement. Initially struggling to make an impact and failing to qualify for major tournaments, the team’s absence left fans yearning for international success. However, in the last decade, a dramatic shift occurred, propelling the Bangladesh cricket team into a dominant position globally. The emergence of local heroes have transformed the sport into a national phenomenon, fostering a deep sense of pride and unity. Cricket, once a distant dream, is now a thriving socio-economic force, with players elevated to revered national hero status, and the profession itself becoming financially rewarding. This progress is the result of meticulous planning and strategic programs orchestrated by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), symbolising the triumph of dedication and vision. The rise of Bangladesh cricket showcases the potential of nurturing talent from youth levels, where aspiring cricketers are groomed to embrace the challenges in the international stage. This approach not only solidifies the team’s foundation but also opens up a world of possibilities for the future, where Bangladesh could become a cricketing powerhouse, consistently competing at the highest levels and inspiring generations to come.
Director, Bangladesh Cricket Board
Obeid Rashid Nizam is currently a director of Bangladesh Cricket Board ( BCB ) and holds the position of Chairman of Age Group Tournament Commitee (AGTC) which includes school cricket. He is also the Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Tigers. He completed his Bachelors in Business from Hofstra University, New York and has over 25 years of experience in cricket. Apart from this, he is currently the Vice Chairman of DHS Motors Limited, and CEO of Beximco Cricket.
What is the current state of youth cricket?
The youth cricket landscape in Bangladesh is thriving, thanks to the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s meticulously structured development program. This initiative ensures maximum participation among young cricketers, ultimately supplying high-quality talent to our national teams. Our success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including meticulous planning, a well-defined selection process from grassroots to central levels, top-notch training, dynamic management, and the dedicated development of youth cricket under the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Can you walk us through the process of being selected for the national youth teams (U15, U17, and U19)?
In Bangladesh, youth cricket is divided into two main segments: School Cricket and Age Group Cricket. With over twelve thousand boys benefitting from this structured platform, players are provided a clear pathway to larger stages. Age group cricket encompasses U14, U16, and U18 categories, all of which follow a similar selection process. Players progress through district, division, and national competitions, where talented individuals are identified by Age Group Selectors to ultimately form the national U15, U17, and U19 teams. Following the initial selection, we organise extensive training and provide international exposure to these promising players under Game Development. This comprehensive development and management process guides skillful young cricketers towards representing their country.
What are some notable milestones for Bangladesh youth cricket in recent years?
As a testament to our unwavering dedication and unyielding pursuit of excellence, our youth cricket teams have showcased exceptional prowess on the global stage. In 2020, we achieved a milestone reverberating across the cricketing world – capturing the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. This victory underscored our exceptional talent and solidified our status as a force to be reckoned with on the international cricketing map.
Our journey continued in 2021, where we emerged as runners-up in the fiercely contested ACC U19 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. This achievement highlighted our resilience and ability to excel despite stiff competition from our regional counterparts. Building on our legacy of success, 2023 marked yet another remarkable chapter. We secured triumph in the U19 Tri-Series hosted in the UAE, facing off against cricketing powerhouses Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. This victory further cemented our position as a team capable of conquering challenges across varied conditions.
Closer to home, we showcased our mettle on our turf. In 2023, we emerged victorious in the Youth International ODI Series against South Africa U19, which exemplified our proficiency in adapting strategies and seizing opportunities on familiar grounds. Our commitment to nurturing talent at every level bore fruit in 2023 as well. The Combined School U16 team etched their mark with resounding victories in both the Three-Day and One-Day Series against Mumbai. These triumphs served as a testament to our developmental programs’ effectiveness and our young cricketers’ dedication.
Our journey of triumphs – from securing the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup to conquering prestigious international tournaments – reflects our unrelenting commitment to nurturing talent, fostering excellence, and fortifying the future of cricket. These victories elevate our standing in the cricketing world and inspire generations to come, affirming that dedication, skill, and passion can truly lead to greatness.
With over twelve thousand boys benefitting from this structured platform, players are provided a clear pathway to larger stages.
What is your vision for the future of youth cricket in Bangladesh?
Our vision for the future of youth cricket in Bangladesh revolves around nurturing the next generation of cricketers in a fun, positive, and safe environment. We aim to facilitate the development of these players into world-class cricketers, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potential.
As the foremost authority on cricket in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has undertaken a series of visionary initiatives to cultivate and empower youth participation within the realm of this beloved sport.
Celebrating Cricket
Our flagship event, the U12 Cricket Carnivals, exemplifies our commitment to this endeavour. These spirited gatherings serve as a platform not only for the young cricketers themselves but also invite parents to partake in the cricketing experience, fostering a more profound bond between families and the sport.
The Hunt for Talent
To ensure a comprehensive talent pool, we’ve instituted an expansive system of open trials across all 64 districts and Dhaka Metro. This rigorous process identifies cricketers across the U14, U16, and U18 age categories, guaranteeing equitable opportunities for every aspiring talent, irrespective of their background. At the core of our strategy lies the National School Cricket tournament, a monumental event that stands as one of the world’s largest. This tournament, comprising 348 secondary schools, showcases budding talent and instil a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition among the youth.
Cream of the Crop
Recognising the importance of nurturing promising talents, we’ve introduced a scholarship program. This initiative supports 15 exceptional players discovered through the National School Cricket competition, guiding them towards realising their potential. Our commitment extends to providing comprehensive support. We offer a comprehensive training regimen, mentorship, and invaluable playing experiences through our Game Development program. This holistic approach spans from the grassroots level, where passion is ignited, to the pinnacle of central-level competition.
Laying the Right Foundation
Education, being a cornerstone of holistic development, is another arena where we’ve extended our support. Through strategic partnerships, we offer educational scholarships, spanning both graduation and post-graduate studies, at the prestigious American International University Bangladesh (AIUB). This empowers our promising cricketers with a well-rounded foundation.
Opportunities for All
Furthermore, our commitment to inclusivity is exemplified by our outreach to underprivileged cricketers at the grassroots level. By distributing cricket kits and providing training equipment to coaches, we ensure that talent is noticed, regardless of their circumstances.
In essence, the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s initiatives radiate a profound commitment to nurturing youth involvement in cricket. Our endeavours span from the grassroots level to prestigious educational institutions, reflecting our determination to empower the next generation of cricketers and ambassadors of the sport.
Photographs: Ratan Gomes