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Chandika Hathurusingha, head coach of Bangladesh cricket team, said the country does not have a proper T20 tournament and launched a fiery tirade on the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The T20 tournament is currently underway but in a recent interview with ESPNCricinfo, Hathurusingha said that he sometimes turns off the TV while watching the matches and even pointed out that some players in the league are not in the “required class” . He added that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should step in and stop the 'circus' – a word he used to describe the BPL.
“We [Bangladesh] don't have a proper T20 tournament. This sounds very strange. When I watch the BPL, I sometimes turn off the TV. Some players aren't even from the [required] class. I have a big problem with the current system,” Hathurusingha said.
“The ICC must intervene. There must be rules. A player plays one tournament and then plays another tournament. It's like a circus. Players will talk about odds, but that's not true. People will lose interest. I have lost interest,” Hathurusingha added.
Hathurusingha also pointed out that Bangladesh cricketers do not practice enough in key sectors such as batting in the Top 3 and bowling death overs. He suggested that another tournament should be held before the BPL to help in the development of local cricketers.
“We need a tournament where our players can do things like finish in the top three. Bangladesh bowlers bowl in death. Where else will we learn these things? We only have one tournament,” Hathurusingha said.
“My suggestion is that we have another tournament before the BPL. The franchises do what they want. Some of the best players don't play. How do you expect the Bangladesh team to measure up to the other teams? I am fighting a tough battle,” Hathurusingha added.
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