BCB denies Taskin NOC for Yorkshire stint

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has denied granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fast bowler Taskin Ahmed to participate in the ongoing County Championship season for Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The BCB has chosen not to take any risks with Taskin ahead of the upcoming World Cup, prioritizing his fitness and workload management.

It has been reported that Yorkshire’s head coach, Ottis Gibson, who previously served as the bowling coach for the Bangladesh team, approached Taskin to play for them in the County Championship. Taskin sought the assistance of his former pace bowling coach to convince the BCB, but discussions did not yield a positive outcome.

Jalal Yunus, the BCB’s cricket operation chairman, confirmed the board’s decision, stating that they are unwilling to burden Taskin with the demands of red-ball cricket in the county before the World Cup. He emphasized Taskin’s recent recovery from injury and his inclusion in the Test squad, highlighting the board’s plans for his fitness in preparation for the global tournament.

Despite recently undergoing rehabilitation for a side strain, Taskin Ahmed was included in Bangladesh’s squad for the upcoming series. The pace bowler showcased his full strength during practice sessions at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, under the guidance of coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

Habibul Bashar, a member of the BCB selection panel, expressed sympathy for Taskin, acknowledging that he has missed out on opportunities to participate in prestigious global tournaments in the past. Previous IPL and PSL teams had shown interest in Taskin, but his unavailability prevented him from featuring. However, Bashar emphasized that Taskin is considered a vital asset for Bangladesh and that they cannot take any chances with his fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Bashar further shared his desire to see Taskin play in a global franchise-based T20 competition and acknowledged the significance of representing a county team. However, he stressed the need for caution, particularly when it comes to releasing players recovering from injury for overseas competitions. The final decision on Taskin’s participation in the lone Test against Afghanistan will be made closer to the match, considering his recent injury recovery.

The BCB’s decision to prioritize Taskin Ahmed’s fitness and workload management demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the well-being and availability of key players for international competitions. With the World Cup approaching, it is essential to have players at their peak physical condition to perform at their best.

Taskin’s exclusion from participating in the County Championship might disappoint him, but it underscores the importance of careful planning and player management. The BCB understands the significance of preserving Taskin’s fitness and ensuring his availability for the upcoming World Cup, where he is expected to play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

As the World Cup draws near, the BCB will closely monitor Taskin’s progress and make informed decisions regarding his participation in subsequent matches. The focus will remain on striking a balance between giving players opportunities to showcase their skills in prestigious tournaments and safeguarding their physical well-being.

In conclusion, while Taskin Ahmed’s request to participate in the County Championship has been denied, the BCB’s decision is motivated by their commitment to his fitness and long-term availability. Their focus is on ensuring Taskin’s readiness for the World Cup, where he is expected to play a crucial role. As the tournament approaches, Bangladesh will continue to make decisions that balance player welfare and the team’s competitive objectives.