Captains treated like kings, others like commoners: Tapash Baisya

Former Bangladesh pacer Tapash Baisya has sharply criticised the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) newly introduced “Captains Card” initiative, calling it discriminatory and damaging to team unity.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board recently introduced the scheme to honour current and former national team captains, offering benefits such as free stadium access, VIP parking, health insurance, and medical support.

While the board has described the initiative as a gesture of respect, Baisya strongly opposed it, terming it a form of inequality within cricketing ranks.

In a Facebook post on Saturday (April 18), he wrote that such distinctions reflect “modern-day discrimination,” arguing that captains are already privileged with access to premium facilities during their playing careers.

“Captains are treated like kings, others like commoners,” he wrote, adding that cricket is a team sport where all players contribute equally regardless of leadership roles.

Citing former spinner Mohammad Rafique, Baisya questioned whether lesser-known players should be denied similar recognition, arguing that respect should not be limited to captains alone.

He also called on former cricketers to protest the decision, adding that he feels “embarrassed” to identify himself as a former national team player under such a system.

Baisya concluded by expressing frustration with the broader system of cricket administration, stating he hopes no former players ever become BCB presidents again.