ICC warns that gamblers and bookies can offer cricketers through such programmes
Md Abu Talha Sarker:In line with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is going to issue a separate guideline for their cricketers on Facebook live chat programme.
In response to a recent warning by the ICC to cricket boards about the live chat shows involving cricketers, the BCB is going to fix the guideline after discussions with all concerned.
The ICC through its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) issued the warning in writing recently, stating that gamblers and bookies can offer cricketers through the live chat programmes.
The move comes following cricketers around the world, including many in Bangladesh widely choosing social media to do interactions with their fans and teammates, and some hosting live chat programmes drawing both applause and furore across the world.
About the ICC letter, BCB director and its cricket operations committee chairman Akram Khan said, “When we sign contracts with cricketers, we give some restrictions alongside issuing a guideline about the dos and don’ts. Even though, if the ICC gives any sort of instruction we will surely have a discussion on it.”
Referring to the existing BCB guidelines, Akram, also a former captain of the Bangladesh national team, said the cricketers know what to do when they come on live.
On a similar note, BCB Chief Executive Officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury said, “During contract signing with every cricketer, it is mentioned how they will behave or what to do, what can be said or not done in front of TV channels or in social media. Cricketers are well aware of these issues. But the ICC has warned [boards] and of course we are looking into the matter.”
“If there is anything mentionable, it will be done after discussion,” Nizamuddin added.
Like the mass people, cricketers across the world have been staying at home for long due to the outbreak of deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
To pass the time in home during this long captivity, cricketers around the world widely opted for social media to do interactions with their fans and teammates.
Cricketers in Bangladesh did not lag behind, and ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal, ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, T20 skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, Test skipper Mominul Haque, speedster Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain are among those prominent who came on live for their fans.
Of them, Tamim anchored a live chat programme on facebook, which made a great impression among all at home and abroad. He presented a good number of current and former legendary cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Wasim Akram and Faf du Plessis on his live programme and had friendly conversations.
The world cricket governing body ICC initially joined BCB to praise the live chat programme.
Meanwhile, in order to bring their cricketers back to competitive cricket, some countries have already allowed individual and small group practice by following safety and health guidelines, but it is still uncertain in Bangladesh.
In the Covid-19-era, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will be hosting the first competitive cricket from July and the West Indies Cricket Team has already reached London, the United Kingdom (UK) to take part in it.
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