Most of the players eyeing to play the NCL struck a minimum requirement of 11 but the performance of several senior cricketers fell below the benchmark. © Getty

Mohammad Ashraful, the former Bangladesh captain, along with some seasoned domestic campaigners, on Monday (September 30), failed the beep test conducted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board ahead of the upcoming National Cricket League - the country's traditional first-class tournament.

Most of the players eyeing to play the NCL struck a minimum requirement of 11 but the performance of several senior cricketers fell below the benchmark set by the BCB recently, where it is stated that the hbeep test is mandatory for all the players eyeing to take part in the NCL.

BCB introduced the beep test in the NCL last year with the minimum requirement of nine points. However, the mark was increased to 11 points for the upcoming season.

Some of the senior cricketers criticized the move saying that they did not get enough time to prepare for the beep test as they were informed only a couple of days earlier about the development.

Those who were very vocal about the benchmark set by BCB failed to cross the bar. Mohammad Ashraful made 9.6, Nasir Hossain scored 9.7, Abdur Razzak had 9.4, Arafat Sunny struck 10.9, Elias Sunny hit 10, Nadif Chowdhury, 10.4, and Mohammad Sharif, 10.6.

However, some other seniors like Shuvagoto Hom, Nazmul Apu, Shahadat Hossain, among others crossed the line.

BCB's game development strength and conditioning coach Tushar Kanti Howlader, who conducted the beep test, said that he was satisfied with the outcome but added that those who have failed still have time to make a comeback.

"[It was] Very good overall and they have done well, beyond our expectation. Even though some didn't fare well but this is normal. Everyone can't run at the same speed because they are born with different bone muscles," Tushar said after the beep test.

"Unless they strike the minimum requirement, they won't be able to play the NCL. It's open for all and the players can take time to attend the beep test," he added.

Bangladesh national selector Habibul Bashar echoed the same sentiment and added that, if necessary, a player can give the beep test for as many as five times but have to pass it to make himself eligible for selection in NCL.

"If necessary, we will provide the opportunity of [taking] the beep test five times like we did in the last time," said Bashar. "Last year, some four to five cricketers failed to make the cut and we decided not to include them. We asked them that whenever they will pass the test they will be eligible to get into the squad. And there were three to four cricketers who got into the squad after passing the beep test."

He further stated that there is no point making such a hue and cry about the system introduced by BCB to improve the fitness standards in domestic cricket.

"The required score for the beep test was higher than the last time and every cricketer knew about it and there was nothing new in it. Perhaps there is more discussion about it as the level had been increased. Whoever says what, everyone took it very positively and I am happy because they have realized the importance of it. 96 percent passed in Dhaka while I am yet to receive the result of other divisions. We are trying to set a new standard and I hope everyone realizes it," he added.

Ashraful, who has regularly played domestic cricket after his ban was lifted, surprised all by not passing the beep test considering he also played in the Kent League in England and claimed that he was in good shape in terms of fitness.

"If it is 10.4 or 10.5, it would have been good for me but I got only 9.7 (9.6). Another beep test will be held on October 4. I hope the next three days of practice will make me completely ready to strike the standard number in beep test," Ashraful said.

Despite failing to acquire the minimum standard, Ashraful praised the system, saying that it would help players to concentrate more on fitness when they are away from cricket.