From correspondents in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 08:02 PM IST

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Wednesday sought to play down the exodus of several of its players, who jumped onto the Indian Cricket League (ICL) bandwagon Tuesday, saying they were all underperforming cricketers and the national team was least affected by their defection.

Bangladesh coach Australian Jamie Siddons added his bit by saying that none of the players who played in Bangladesh's last Test was in the list of deserters, though the authorities must prevent poaching by the ICL every year.

BCB said they have a strong reserve of players who are ready for national duty, but at the same time the doors are open for those who want to return or discuss their future with it.

In all 13 players have joined the ICL and they will play in this year's edition, starting next month, as Dhaka Warriors. Of these, six have announced their retirement to play in the rebel league. Former captain Habibul Bashar, Shahriar Nafees, Alok Kapali and Dhiman Ghosh were present at the launch of the team at a five-star hotel in Delhi Tuesday.

PCB rejected the retirement letters and said action will be taken against them as per the International Cricket Council's (ICC) guidelines for playing in 'unauthorised competition.'

'It's true we will miss their international experience but we have players in the pipeline. And I request everybody to look at their recent performance,' Gazi Ashraf, chairman of the BCB's cricket operations committee was quoted as saying in Daily Star.

'We are not accepting their retirement letters. They didn't mention when would their retirements be effective from,' he said.

Gazi said the players have breached the code of conduct and action will be taken against them.

The BCB officials also consulted their legal experts on the matter as seven of the ICL signees are contracted players of the BCB.

Ashraf said that the BCB would welcome the players back if they approached the board. 'Still our door is open for them, but time and tide wait for none in this world,' he said.

Pointing out the mistake which might have led to the exodus, Hossain said the BCB followed the previous regime's players' contract document which had loopholes.

'The BCB would update it and aim to improve the financial status of players in domestic competitions,' he said.

Farhad Reza, Mosharraf Hossain, Mohammad Rafique, Tapash Baisya, Manjural Islam, Mohammad Sharif, reserve wicketkeeper Golam Mabud, and Mahbubul Karim are the other players to join the ICL for $200,000 each over three years.

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful has reportedly been offered a $700,000 contract by the ICL, but he declined.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)