'Cricketers could have discussed before going on strike’

In the wake of Bangladesh national cricketers’ indefinite strike, the state minister for youth and sports, Zahid Ahsan Russel, on Monday said the cricketers could have informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) earlier about the matter.

“The cricketers should have informed BCB about the issue before going on strike. They could have even informed me,” he told Prothom Alo.

The cricketers have been observing strike to press home their 11-point demand.

The state minister said the cricketers’ move has tarnished the image of the country to the cricket world.

“I am sympathetic to the demands of the cricketers. I think it will be solved only through discussions with BCB,” the minister said.

Zahid Ahsan Russel said it was not right to go on hardline at the beginning only as it has tarnished the image in the cricket world.

He said, “I think that BCB has the financial capability to solve the issue.”

“BCB is not in financial crisis. Thus they can easily solve the issue. I have asked BCB to take decision through discussions,” he said.