Bangladesh Cricket has plunged into turmoil after players boycotted a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match, triggering one of the most serious stand-offs between cricketers and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in recent years. The boycott comes amid growing anger over comments made by Nazmul Islam, the BCB’s finance committee chairman, who is now at the centre of a full-blown revolt.
What Triggered the Boycott?
The crisis began after Nazmul Islam made a series of controversial public remarks that shocked Bangladesh’s cricketing community. Just days earlier, he had labelled former captain Tamim Iqbal an agent of India, a comment that drew widespread criticism.
Matters escalated further when Nazmul Islam was asked about the financial implications of players missing the T20 World Cup and whether cricketers would be compensated. In response, he questioned why compensation should even be discussed, complaining about the “crores and crores of taka” spent on players.
He went on to suggest that despite heavy spending, Bangladesh’s cricketers had failed to achieve anything significant, claiming they had not won any major international awards. Those remarks proved to be the tipping point.
BCB Distances Itself, But Damage Is Done
Following the backlash, the Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a statement distancing itself from Nazmul Islam’s views. However, by then, relations between the players and the board had already deteriorated.
The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) immediately stepped in, calling for a boycott of all forms of cricket unless Nazmul Islam resigned from his position. The decision led to the boycott of BPL games, bringing domestic cricket to a halt.
Players Issue a 48-Hour Ultimatum
Reports later emerged that the BCB had initiated disciplinary proceedings against Nazmul Islam, raising hopes that the crisis might be resolved. However, those hopes were short-lived.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s players held a press conference and reiterated their stance. They announced that no cricket would be played unless the BCB provided written confirmation that Nazmul Islam would resign within 48 hours.
The players made it clear that verbal assurances would no longer suffice.
Bangladesh Cricket at a Standstill
With matches suspended and tensions escalating, the situation has placed Bangladesh cricket at a crossroads. The ball is now firmly in the BCB’s court as it weighs its next move amid mounting pressure from players and fans alike.
Bangladesh Cricket Board Finally Gives In
With matches suspended and tensions escalating, the BCB had no other option but to relieve Nazmul Islam from his post, and it was announced soon after the players gave the ultimatum.
