Shakib, Taskin, Litton get rewards for valuing national duty over IPL

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) rewarded three cricketers -- Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumar Das and Taskin Ahmed --- with a total of $65,000 for valuing the national team commitment over the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

Terming it just a small gesture on the board’s part, BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Jalal Younus said that the amount would be split three ways between Shakib, Litton and Taskin, reports BSS.

"It's a small gesture from the BCB. The players didn't demand anything but we felt that they should be compensated for their commitment, at least partially if not fully," Younus said.

But he made it clear that this would not be a regular practice as the country's duty should be the top priority.

"Playing for the country, for the national team should be unconditional. The board always stands by the players. The board also considers it case-by-case and the players' well-being is one of our top priorities," Younus added.

Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das were picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders in the last IPL but the board denied them NOC, considering Bangladesh's series against Ireland at home.

Shakib was sold for his base price of RS 15.0 million ($1.83 million) and Litton also went for his base price of RS 5.0 million ($61,000).

The BCB agreed to give NOC both of them after the one-off Test against Ireland and Litton played one match for KKR before leaving the lucrative tournament to play away ODI series against Ireland.

Shakib, meanwhile, pulled out of the whole competition, which many believe could have been his last IPL appearance.

Taskin went unsold in the auction but Jalal Younus said the pacer who has been in red-hot form over the last two years was offered a place as an injury replacement.

Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi players to play in the IPL last season but appeared in only two matches for Delhi Capitals.