NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board has finally given in to the demands of its players, removing BCB director M Najmul Islam after his derogatory comments against players sparked massive controversy in the country.
The move came after Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun made it clear that the players would remain firm in their call to boycott the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) until Najmul Islam resigned.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to inform that, following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organization, the BCB President has decided to release Mr. Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect,” the BCB said in a statement.
“The decision has been taken in accordance with the authority vested in the BCB President under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution and is aimed at ensuring the continued smooth and effective functioning of the Board’s affairs. Until further notice, the BCB President will assume the role of Acting Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Bangladesh Cricket Crisis: Live: Cricketers adamant on not taking to the field (BPL).
BCB director M Nazmul Islam has been making defamatory statements about the national team cricketers. In protest against his behavior and incoherent remarks, Bangladesh Cricketers Welfare… pic.twitter.com/tEPg7rDmlx
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 15, 2026
“The BCB reiterates that the interests of the cricketers remain its highest priority. The Board remains fully committed to upholding the honor and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction.
“In this regard, the BCB hopes that all cricketers will continue to display the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to the betterment of Bangladesh cricket during what is a challenging period for the game, and will do their utmost to ensure continued participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).”
BPL matches called off
Thursday’s BPL fixtures were called off after the players’ boycott, with both the Chattogram Royals vs Noakhali Express clash and the Rajshahi Warriors vs Sylhet Titans match postponed.
The statement that sparked controversy
The controversy erupted after Najmul, while defending Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup citing “security concerns,” dismissed players’ worries about remuneration. He claimed that players would not be compensated, arguing they had failed to justify support by not winning a single ICC event.
The statement sparked widespread outrage, with CWAB demanding Najmul’s immediate removal from the board. The BCB, however, affirmed its support for the players and confirmed that Najmul had been served a show-cause notice.
Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India
Bangladesh have refused to tour India, citing security concerns following pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL on the BCCI’s instructions due to unspecified “developments all around.”
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is still in discussions with the ICC to find a resolution, after the world body expressed reluctance to move Bangladesh’s four scheduled games in India to Sri Lanka.
BCB’s appeal to players
While the BCB has confirmed it will take action against director M Najmul Islam, the board has urged players not to boycott cricket.
“The matter will be dealt with through due process, and appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the proceedings. The BCB firmly believes that the players are the main stakeholders and the lifeblood of the BPL and of all cricketing activities under the Board.
“The Board sincerely hopes that the cricketers will continue to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment by supporting the successful completion of the tournament and ensuring the smooth continuity of the BPL 2026,” it added.
Najmul stoops to a low
Najmul had earlier described former captain Tamim Iqbal as an “agent of India” after he called for a restrained handling of the standoff with India, warning that decisions taken today would have impact 10 years down the line.
The CWAB had condemned that statement from Najmul.
Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has also urged for a pragmatic approach and also revealed that the players are under immense stress due to the current circumstances.
(With PTI Inputs)
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