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How Much the Cricket Infrastructure is Suitable for Bangladesh?

Sk. Shihab Sadman Ali ENG 105, Section 1 Mousume Akhter Flora August 17, 2011

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Varity of sports are played all over the world. There are some sports in which most countries are good at or they love most such as baseball in U.S, ice hockey in Canada, soccer in Germany, ice skating in The Netherlands and cricket in Bangladesh etc. Those sports are not only played for fun or entertainment but also played for satisfaction of mind. For example cricket is played all over Bangladesh officially or unofficially from national stadium to roads. Cricket has its own attributes which attracts people from all around the world. In Bangladesh cricket is the most popular sports through which we compete against other countries. To form a cricket team it requires proper infrastructure. Cricket infrastructure refers to the resources that are needed to form a cricket team, resources such as playing grounds, ground facilities, coaching facilities, player facilities, playing equipments such as bat-ball, guards, playing ground etc. Performance of a cricket team is driven by how well it has been trained through essential infrastructure. Success or failure behind the players depends on how well the team is trained with proper resources and infrastructure or not. From past experience of the games Bangladesh played on the basis of win-lose ratio it can be said that the infrastructure of Bangladesh cricket team is not up the mark.

Background Lots of people have identified lack of infrastructure as the main reason for the poor performance of Bangladesh cricket team lately. Former Bangladesh cricket coach Jamie Siddons (2008) noted that its not the players but the lack of infrastructure and facilities should be blamed for Tigers poor showing in international level (P.1). This explains the situation of

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Bangladesh cricket infrastructure as it is not enough. Jamie Siddons (2008) also added that players should be facilitated with modern gymnasium and lots of other things including level three coaches at every stage. (P.1). The above comment made it crystal clear that coaching facilities provided to our cricket team is not standard and players facilities such as grounds and gymnasiums are not adequate enough. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Mr. Ali Asghar (2004) replied to a question by stating that I think its the lack of proper cricket infrastructure, which is the main problem in Bangladesh cricket. We dont have the infrastructure (P.1). He also mentioned the lack of playing grounds which is the reason we cannot facilitate the school cricket tournaments. On the other hand if we look at statistics of international cricket grounds Bangladesh has only 7 international cricket grounds while top ranking teams like England has 23 international cricket grounds, India has 44 international cricket grounds and Australia has 19 international cricket grounds. As the specialists blame the infrastructure for the poor performance, if we look at the previous record of matches Bangladesh cricket team played, we will have a greater concept of the fact of inadequate infrastructure. Bangladesh participated in all the world cup tournaments from year 1999 to 2011, in 1999 and 2003 world Bangladesh couldnt go through the first round , in 2003 they went to the 2nd round and again in 2011 they were stopped at 1st round and secured 9th place in tournament. Again in ICC Champions Trophy from year 2000 to 2006 Bangladesh played till 1st and 2nd round and in 2008 they were out of the top 8 teams so wasnt allowed to participate. Methodology

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I will use both the primary and secondary sources for my research. Primary data will be based on survey, interview, and personal interaction with people having cricket knowledge. I am going to conduct a survey by providing people with questionnaire. People whom I wish to survey into will be all kinds of people who have general knowledge about cricket in Bangladesh and have the idea of present condition Bangladesh cricket situation. Secondary data will be based on media such as internet, newspaper, journal, books and articles written in this area. I will be looking forward to articles which specifically provide information about present and past situation of cricket infrastructure of Bangladesh such as interviews posted in internet or in newspaper. Data Analysis 1st question and its survey results: Are you satisfied with the cricket infrastructure in Bangladesh?

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Figure 1: People's View on Cricket Infrastructure in Bangladesh, whether it is satisfactory.

From the data above majority of people or 67% people think that they are not satisfied with the current infrastructure and 27% people are little bit happy with it. Only 3% people said they are satisfied or neutral with the infrastructure It is very much clear that three fourth of the total people are not satisfied with the infrastructure situation. So, the original hypothesis is very accurate and can be relied upon.

2nd question and its survey results: Do you think Bangladesh has enough cricket infrastructures in the country?

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This question is quite similar of comparing the first question. People viewed their opinion similarly in this question. Majority of people or 60% people think that cricket infrastructure is not enough and 30% people stated that it is not good enough.

Figure 2: Do Bangladesh Have Enough Cricket Infrastructure. So, 90% people have negative perception about cricket infrastructure of Bangladesh, only 10% people said it is good enough. Here it is very clear that only a minimal percentage of sample disagreed about that question.

3rd question and its survey results: Does Bangladesh Government providing enough facilities to develop cricket in the country?

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Figure 3: Governments Role for Cricket Development. Here majority respondents or 43% people think government is helping to some extent, 37% people viewed that government providing a little help for developing cricket and 7% people think Government is not helping at all. All together 80% people think Government help is not satisfactory. Only small portion of respondents which is 13% people think Government is fully providing facilities. Overall perception about Governments role is negative. 4th question and its survey results: Is Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) playing a proper role for cricket infrastructure development?

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Figure 4: BCBs Role for Cricket Development Above chart is about the role played by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for cricket infrastructure development. Here none of the respondents think that BCB is playing a proper role for infrastructure development where 73% people feel that they are trying but not that amount. 17% people believe that role played by BCB is not satisfactory at all and 10% a tiny amount of people have no idea about their role. In total 80% people are not satisfied with the BCBs role.

5th question and its survey results: Why BCB does not have any cricket stadium of their own in the country?

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Figure 5: Reasons for No Own Stadium for BCB

From the figures above 13.3% people believe due to lack of fund BCB has not been able to build own stadium for cricket. Most number of 63.3% people consider the lack of planning is the main motive for not having own stadium where 16.8% people think Government is not helping BCB and a insignificant portion of 3.3% people think sponsors are not coming to help them and other 3.3% respondent have other views such as lack of space. It is dreadfully clear lack of planning is the main reason. 6th question and its survey results: Why is the National Cricket League (NCL), the only first class cricket league in Bangladesh, is not so much competitive?

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Figure 6: The reason for National Cricket League (NCL) to be less competitive. Above information indicates to the weakness of our cricket infrastructure which is not able to make the only first league of the country competitive. From the data above small part of only 7% people feel that cricketers do not take it seriously, 20% people believe per match fee is less, greater part of respondents of 40% consider BCB is not motivating the players and 33% people think due to lack of media coverage National Cricket League(NCL) is not competitive. Cricketers cannot be blamed in this issue; it is the duty of BCB to make sure to make the league competitive.

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7th question and its survey results: Why is the cricket infrastructure mainly Dhaka based in Bangladesh?

Figure 7: Reasons for Dhaka based Cricket Infrastructure.

From the facts above 40% respondents expressed their opinion for Dhaka based cricket infrastructure that everything is centered in Dhaka while half of the respondents which is 50% people think due to economic facilities cricket infrastructure is Dhaka based. Only 3% people believe Dhaka is producing more good players than any other region of the country, 7% people have no idea on this fact.

8th question and its survey results: Are Cricket infrastructures beside Dhaka satisfactory or not?

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Figure 8: Condition of cricket Infrastructure outside Dhaka.

This question is very important for this research. Analyzing peoples view on this question it is clear that cricket infrastructure outside Dhaka is weak. Only 7% people feel cricket facilities outside Dhaka is adequate, mass portion of 70% people consider that infrastructure outside Dhaka is not satisfactory at all, 13% think this satisfactory to some extent and remaining 10% of respondents have no idea on this fact. This opinion by people justifies the hypothesis of the research.

9th question and its survey results: Do you think Bangabandhu National Stadium can be used again for cricket in near future?

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Figure 9: Possibility of Using Bangabandhu National Stadium in Near Future.

According to above diagram 47% people viewed that Bangabandhu National Stadium can be used again for cricket, 23% people think it cannot be used all over again, 27% people feel may be it can be used and 3% have no idea. From this data it is clear that three fourth people want Bangabandhu stadium to be used for cricket again.

10th question and its survey results: Which thing is the most important for cricket infrastructure development?

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Figure 10: Most Important way for Cricket Infrastructure Development.

Above chart is based on the most important elements for cricket infrastructure development. Most number of 63% people considers setting up quality cricket academy all over the country is the most important thing for infrastructure development. Then 17% people gave importance on good proper wicket, gymnasiums, practice fields, 10% think providing enough financial facilities to the players is the most important and only remaining 10% give importance on having enough cricket fields all over the country. The reason for most importance on cricket academy is it covers all the other facilities for cricket.

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11th question and its survey results: Is Media of Bangladesh playing a positive role for cricket development in Bangladesh?

Figure 11: Media's Role for Cricket Development.

Peoples view on the role of media for cricket development is as more negative than positive. The reason for saying that 33% people thing they are playing a positive role where 33% feel they are busier with commercial benefits. On the other hand 7% people think their role as completely negative, and 27% think they are busy promoting only the national players. In total 40% people treating the role of media negative. 12th question and its survey results: Role of International Cricket Council (ICC) for cricket development in Bangladesh.

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Figure 12: ICC's Role for Cricket Development in Bangladesh. Above diagram is important for the research and overall cricket infrastructure of Bangladesh. From the data above it is clear that people are not fully happy with ICCs role for cricket development. Only 13% people are totally satisfied, 17% are not satisfied at all, 57% are satisfied but not that much and surprisingly 13% people didnt give their comments on ICCs role.

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13th question and its survey results: Are you satisfied with the arrangement facilities of Bangladesh for ICC Cricket World Cup 2011?

Figure 13: Arrangement Facilities of Bangladesh for World Cup. From the data above 47% are satisfied with the arrangement facilities of Bangladesh while 30% think they are satisfied but it could be better. 20% people are not satisfied at all and 3% think they are less satisfied with lots of gaps. This result can be considered strange as the infrastructure is not so strong in Bangladesh still the world cup has been successfully arranged. 14th question and its survey results: Do you think Bangladesh is capable of arranging ICC World T/20 in 2014 single handedly?

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Figure 14: Bangladesh's Capability to Arrange ICC World T/20 in 2014. From the statistics above a good number of the people think Bangladesh can arrange World T/20 successful in 2014. 63% people think Bangladesh has the ability to arrange it single handedly, 27% people believe they have the capability but not right now. Only 10% people think that Bangladesh has no capability to arrange the tournament in 2014. 15th question and its survey results Your views of cricket infrastructure of Bangladesh in some lines.. Below are the common views expressed by the respondents. Educate players Build more cricket academy Infrastructure should be planned step by step

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Govt. and BCB should play vital role It will develop gradually Lot of lacking in system BCB role not sufficient World class facilities needed to produce fine players Not satisfactory infrastructure in the country. Lot of corruption. Cricket academy and stadium should be increased. Needs improvement. Make it better with proper decision making. Give priority to the league matches. Find new talented player using scout.

In above comments respondents are suggesting lots of ways to improve the cricket infrastructure of country and they clearly believe that the infrastructure is enough.

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Summary After conducting the survey I have found that cricket infrastructure in Bangladesh is not satisfactory at all. Majority of people believe there is insufficient infrastructure in the country. Mass respondents think that the cricket infrastructure here in Bangladesh in not enough at all. On the other hand I have found that government of Bangladesh is not providing facilities fully enough to develop the cricket in the country, rather a little help from the government in coming. Besides the government, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is also not providing enough effort to improve the infrastructure. They are trying but not that amount. Another finding says that the reason behind Bangladesh Cricket Board having insufficient cricket stadium is lack of planning and second most important reason is government is not helping. National Cricket League (NCL) is the only cricket league in the country through which new player throughout the state show their talent, this NCL is not too much competitive and two major reasons behind this are BCB is not motivating the players and lack of media coverage. We know that the cricket infrastructure is mainly Dhaka based and from the survey I came to know that this situation occurred because of everything is in Dhaka and most importantly Dhaka offers all the economic facilities. The survey also shows that the cricket infrastructure beside Dhaka is not satisfactory at all. Bangabandhu National Stadium which was used for grand opening of the 2011 world, finding says that it can be used again for this purpose in near future which is positive sign for cricket infrastructure. From the survey it has been found that the most important aspect for cricket infrastructure development is setting up high quality cricket academy which is scarce in Bangladesh. Another important aspect for infrastructure development is media coverage, at the current time majority of people believe that the media is not playing a proper role in the

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development rather they are only concentrating on commercial benefits. Role of International Cricket Council (ICC) for cricket development in Bangladesh is utmost important, from the survey I came to know that the contribution of ICC is not that influencing for Bangladesh. In 2011 world cup the arrangement facilities in Bangladesh was satisfactory for most of the people where more than half think that they were not satisfied or the arrangement could be better and it had a lots of gap, in overall peoples view in this fact were negative. Survey also shows that people assume in near future Bangladesh will be able to arrange ICC World T/20 in 2014 single handedly. Peoples view about the cricket infrastructure in Bangladesh are negative they also suggest some ways to improve it. Such suggestions include educating players, building more cricket academy, infrastructure should be planned step by step, government and BCB should play vital role, lacking in the system should be fulfilled, corruption should be eliminated etc.

Findings from the survey strictly show that the cricket infrastructure is not suitable for Bangladesh. The result also supports my hypothesis which is the infrastructure of Bangladesh cricket is not up to the mark. People believe that the infrastructure should be developed through providing more facilities from the government and produce more talented player through building more cricket academy. My survey includes some limitation and weakness such as narrow field of conducted survey. Majority of my respondents were student of North South University and 16% of my research included people outside North South University which limited the research. It would have provided more accurate result if the research included people from different university or different occupation. Interview from Bangladesh Cricket Board officials or root level players could have made the findings of the research more reliable. However the cricket infrastructure of Bangladesh is responsible for the poor performance of the

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team, if it is not sorted out properly the circumstances will remain the same in the future. Its been over 30 years since Bangladesh started playing in international level but still it lags behind and consistently maintained a position in the bottom line teams it is just because of the infrastructure which is not adequate enough for the team.

References Sandhu, A. (October, 2003). Bangladeshs Cricket Dream. Retrieved from http://news. bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/ban_v_eng_2003/3174014.html Roy, B. (July, 2008). Lack of Infrastructure and facilities to Blame. Retrived from http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=45459 Building a More Competitive Team.(April 2003). Retrieved from http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/crk_rdtb/page04.html Bangladesh national cricket team. (2011). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_nationa_cricket_team Rahman, K.M.(2007 , March 6). Bangladesh Domestic Cricket : 2006 Review, Part 1 [web log post]. Retrieved from http://cricketbangladesh.blogspot.com/2007/03/bangladesh-domestic-cricket-2006-review

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