Published: 09:49 AM, 23 May 2026
Cricketers sacrifice bonus for swimming pool at Mirpur Stadium
The series victory marked Bangladesh's second successive Test series whitewash over Pakistan after also securing a 2-0 sweep in 2024, that too on Pakistan's soil. -BCB
The players of the Bangladesh cricket team have decided not to take a bonus for their recent Test series victory over Pakistan.
The series victory marked Bangladesh's second successive Test series whitewash over Pakistan after also securing a 2-0 sweep in 2024, that too on Pakistan's soil.
The cricketers instead requested improved facilities at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, including the construction of a modern swimming pool.
Speaking to reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday, TamimIqbal, who is serving as the president of the ad-hoc committee of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), said the board was prepared to reward the players financially after the historic series win.
"We were ready, if we had to give a bonus, we would have given it because they deserve it," Tamim said. "But everyone should appreciate their initiative.
They did not just think about themselves. This facility will also be used by younger players in the Under-19 and high-performance team."
The original design of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium had included a swimming pool, but the facility was never built.
Tamim said the BCB will now move forward with plans to build the swimming pool with modern facilities.
He also confirmed that parts of the existing gymnasium at the stadium would be demolished and rebuilt as part of the renovation work.
Tamim, however, reiterated his decision to contest the upcoming BCB elections. Submitting nominations for the board elections ended today.
Having withdrawn from last year's election citing concerns over transparency, Tamim said he hopes this year's process will be open and competitive.
"The election will be as transparent as possible," he said. "Those who love cricket, organizers, businessmen and people who want the best for Bangladeshi cricket should participate."
The election for the 23 director posts and president of the BCB is scheduled to be held on June 7.
Earlier, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed a match-winning six-wicket haul as Bangladesh thrashed Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test, completing a dominant 2-0 series sweep at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The victory followed Bangladesh's 104-run triumph in the opening Test and marked their second successive Test series whitewash over Pakistan after also securing a 2-0 sweep in 2024, that too on Pakistan's soil.
Having done so, they won a Test series against a top-flight nation in both home and away for the first time, other than Zimbabwe.
Earlier, Bangladesh were dismissed for 278 in their first innings, thanks to LitonDas's sublime 126, before bowling Pakistan out for 232.
The hosts then piled up 390 in the second innings, courtesy of Mushfiqur Rahim's record-breaking 137, setting Pakistan a daunting target that ultimately proved beyond reach.
