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Dhaka — Bangladesh’s professional cricketers — including several members of the national squad — went on strike yesterday to call for better pay and benefits.

The protest, announced by national Test and T20 captain Shakib Al Hasan, could also put next month’s tour of India in jeopardy.

“Unless our demands are met we will not get involved in any cricketing activities,” said Al Hasan, flanked by former and current national players, at a press conference in Dhaka.

“It includes everything — first-class cricket, national team preparations, (and) international cricket.”

The industrial action is significant in cricket-mad Bangladesh, where national players are idolised. It comes amid increasing criticism from players that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is not sharing its wealth with those who contribute most to the game.

The strike comes just weeks before Bangladesh is due to play three Twenty20 internationals and two Tests in India.

The cricketers want local players and coaches to be paid more equitably with foreign hires.  — AFP.