BCB rejects Saudi request for Bangladeshi cricketers and coaches

After investing heavily in football, golf and Formula One, Saudi Arabia is now seeking to expand its investment in cricket. As part of efforts to strengthen its cricketing structure, the Saudi Cricket Board approached Bangladesh for players and coaches. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, BCB, has rejected the proposal, citing national interest.

The information was reported by cricket-based website Cricbuzz on Sunday.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia plans to follow the path of Test-playing nations such as the United Arab Emirates and the United States by recruiting foreign cricketers on long-term contracts. With that goal, the Saudi Cricket Board contacted the BCB around two months ago, proposing the supply of Bangladeshi men’s and women’s cricketers as well as coaches.

BCB president Aminul Islam turned down the proposal outright. He told Cricbuzz, “They asked for both male and female cricketers, and later also requested coaches. But how can I provide players at the cost of national interest? That is why we said no.”

After hosting major global events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup, LIV Golf and Formula One, Saudi Arabia is now aiming to become a new hub for cricket in the Gulf region with support from the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council. However, the BCB has made it clear that Bangladesh’s cricketing talent will not be used to develop another country’s system.