Bangladesh cricket revolt: players demand removal of BCB director, threaten strike

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): The situation in Bangladesh cricket is deteriorating rapidly as senior and domestic players have openly turned against the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The players have warned that if BCB director and Finance Committee chairman Nazmul Islam does not resign immediately, they will boycott all cricket-related activities across the country. This includes the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and domestic tournaments.

According to a Cricbuzz report, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) held an emergency online press conference. Speaking on behalf of the players, senior cricketer Mohammad Mithun said that Nazmul Islam’s recent statements have crossed all limits and are no longer acceptable.

The controversy escalated after Nazmul Islam told the media that if Bangladesh does not participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the financial loss would affect only the players and not the board, and that the board would not compensate them in any way. CWAB termed this statement insulting and damaging to players’ morale.

CWAB president Mohammad Mithun said that such remarks from a BCB director are deeply disrespectful. He added that players had remained silent for a long time, but frustration has been building for months. He warned that if Nazmul Islam does not step down before the BPL match scheduled on January 15, players will boycott cricket activities nationwide.

Following the players’ warning, the Bangladesh Cricket Board issued an official statement. The board clarified that Nazmul Islam’s comments do not reflect the official position of the BCB and expressed regret over any inappropriate or offensive remarks. The statement also emphasized that players are the most important stakeholders of Bangladesh cricket.

It is worth noting that Nazmul Islam has faced criticism earlier as well, after he referred to senior cricketer Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent,” a remark that sparked widespread backlash in the cricketing community.

All eyes are now on January 15. If Nazmul Islam does not resign, the BPL may be halted, domestic tournaments could be suspended, and preparations of the national team may be disrupted. The current developments indicate that Bangladesh cricket is at a critical crossroads, and the coming days will determine its future direction.