Bangladesh's recent performances earn rich rewards for players

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza receives the trophy from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka, April 25 (IANS)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday announced that flats and cars along with prize money will be given to the national cricket team for its brilliant performance in the World Cup and home series against Pakistan. Bangladesh's clinical 3-0 One-Day International (ODI) series sweep and maiden T20 International win against Pakistan followed their most successful campaign in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand where they reached the quarter-finals, reports bdnews24.com.

The prime minister congratulated the team during a reception at the Ganabhaban, her official residence. During the ceremony, BCB President Nazmul Hassan gave an account of the money received from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after Bangladesh progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

The prime minister announced additional rewards. She said the team had received 10 million taka as winning bonus in the World Cup and 30 million taka more from ICC. Captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and company would receive another 12.3 million taka from the BCB.

The Bangladesh team will get another 10 million taka for their inspiring performance in the World Cup and another 10 million taka for the limited-overs series sweep against Pakistan.

The government would also provide cars and accommodation to the national team players, the prime minister said. She joined the team and board officials for lunch after the reception.