Domestic cricket reforms are yielding results, Nannu optimistic about pacer development

PNN News Desk: Dhaka

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ad-hoc committee member and former captain Minhajul Abedin Nannu believes that recent initiatives taken in recent years to make Bangladesh’s first-class cricket more competitive and higher in quality are producing positive results. He particularly noted that these changes have played a major role in the consistent improvement of the country’s pace bowlers.

Recently, amid various discussions and criticisms on social media regarding the standard, infrastructure, and planning of domestic cricket, Nannu presented his position. He stated that several practical steps have been taken in pitch preparation and ground management to make first-class cricket more competitive.

According to Nannu, keeping a certain amount of grass on wickets and changes in the type of ball used have added a new dimension to the game. Earlier, Kookaburra balls were used, but now Duke balls have been introduced. He said Duke balls swing more, which helps sharpen batters’ techniques and allows pacers to bowl effectively for longer periods.

However, the former captain also acknowledged some limitations alongside the improvements. He said that planning is still lacking in several areas. Sometimes situations arise where coaches are appointed just two days before a match begins, which is not positive for a professional cricket structure.

Nannu further said that recent changes have created healthy competition among fast bowlers in the country. He added that bowlers are developing the mentality of bowling with confidence even in the final session after long spells, which is encouraging for the future.