BCB Overhauls Contracts: Taskin Ahmed Lone A+ Star in New Grade-Based System
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has revamped its central contracts for 2025, replacing its format-based structure with a grade-based salary system to better reward Test specialists. Pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed emerges as the sole player in the elite Grade A+, earning BDT 1 million (USD 8,200) monthly, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto surprisingly lands in Grade A.
BCB’s New Policy: Why Grade-Based Over Format-Based?
- Objective: Prioritize Test cricket by ensuring fair compensation for red-ball specialists.
- Past Issue: Format-based contracts undervalued Test players compared to white-ball stars.
- BCB Stance:
“Test cricket is our foundation. This system ensures commitment to the longest format is rewarded,” said cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim.
Salary Breakdown:
- Grade A+: BDT 1M (Taskin Ahmed).
- Grade A: BDT 800k (Shanto, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim).
- Grade B: BDT 600k (Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Nahid Rana).
- Grade C: BDT 400k (Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam).
- Grade D: BDT 300k (Nasum Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed).
Key Takeaways: Surprises, Snubs, and Comebacks
- Captain Shanto’s Grade A Snub:
- Traditionally, captains earn top-tier contracts. Shanto’s placement signals BCB’s performance-driven approach.
- Mushfiqur Rahim Demoted:
- Moved to Grade B post-ODI retirement, reflecting focus on active multi-format players.
- Newcomers Rewarded:
- Nahid Rana (Grade B): Rapid rise after a stellar 2024.
- Jaker Ali, Tanzid Hasan, Rishad Hossain (Grade C): Emerging talents recognized.
- Mahmudullah’s Exit:
- The 39-year-old requested exclusion post-February 2025, hinting at retirement plans.
- Notable Omissions:
- Shakib Al Hasan: Dropped entirely despite past dominance.
- Zakir Hasan, Nurul Hasan: Axed amid form struggles.
Comeback Stories: Sarkar and Shadman Return
- Soumya Sarkar: Back in Grade C after last contract in 2021.
- Shadman Islam: Returns to Grade C after 2022 exclusion.
Fan Reactions:
- Praise for Taskin’s A+ status: “Well-deserved for our pace king!” – @TigersFaithful
- Shock over Shakib’s omission: “End of an era?” – @CricketBan
Strategic Shift: What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket
- Test Focus: Grades incentivize players to prioritize red-ball cricket amid T20 league temptations.
- Youth Investment: Newcomers like Rana and Tanzid signal long-term planning.
- Accountability: Performance, not reputation, dictates contracts (e.g., Shakib’s exit).
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Balanced Growth
By adopting grade-based contracts, the BCB aims to strike a balance between honoring Test traditions and nurturing white-ball dynamism. While Taskin’s A+ status celebrates consistency, Shanto’s Grade A spot and Shakib’s exclusion underscore a ruthless push for accountability. For Bangladesh cricket, 2025 marks a pivotal chapter in rebuilding credibility and competitiveness.
Join the Debate:
👉 Is the BCB right to prioritize grades over formats? Share your take with #BCBContracts2025!
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