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BCB Removes Director Amid Player Boycott, BPL Match Abandoned

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has removed director M Najmul Islam as chairman of its finance committee following a widespread player boycott. The protest, led by the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh, brought all cricket activities, including the Bangladesh Premier League, to a halt, forcing the abandonment of a match. The decision was made by BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul to ensure the smooth functioning of the board. The boycott was triggered by remarks from Islam that players found humiliating, including calling former captain Tamim Iqbal an "Indian agent."

Key Points: BCB Removes Najmul Islam After Player Boycott Halts BPL

  • BCB removes finance chief Najmul Islam
  • Player boycott halts BPL match
  • CWAB led protest over "humiliating" remarks
  • President Aminul Islam Bulbul takes interim charge
  • Board urges players to return to league
3 min read

BCB removes director Nazmul Islam after players boycott

Bangladesh Cricket Board fires director Najmul Islam after players' boycott abandons BPL match. President Aminul Islam Bulbul takes over finance committee.

"The decision has been taken... in the best interest of the organisation - BCB Statement"

Dhaka, Jan 15

Amid widespread protests and a complete boycott of cricketing activities, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has relieved director M Najmul Islam of his duties as chairman of the board's finance committee after the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh brought to a halt all forms of cricket in the country, including the Bangladesh Premier League.

In a media release, the BCB said the decision was taken by president Aminul Islam Bulbul "following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation", and that it would come into effect immediately.

"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," the BCB was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

Until further notice, Bulbul will serve as the acting chairman of the finance committee.

The move comes after the Bangladesh Premier League's 25th match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express was abandoned on Thursday as the players continued their boycott, refusing to turn up at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The match was scheduled to start at 1:00 pm, with the toss set for 12:30 pm.

After the removal of Najmul, the board urged players to end the boycott and return to the BPL.

"The Board remains fully committed to upholding the honour and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction," the release added.

"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, and will do their utmost to ensure continued participation in the Bangladesh Premier League," it said.

Islam had earlier described former captain Tamim Iqbal as an "Indian agent" after the former Bangladesh skipper suggested dialogue with the ICC and BCCI over the T20 World Cup venue row.

On Wednesday, Islam told reporters the board would not lose much if Bangladesh did not feature in the T20 World Cup, for which they are unwilling to travel to India. "The board has no profit or loss here. Whether Bangladesh plays here or not, there is no profit or loss for the board, at least for this World Cup," he said.

The players felt humiliated by the remarks. Following this, the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) announced on Wednesday that players would not participate in the BPL if Najmul did not resign before the opening game.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see player power in action here. In India, our players might grumble but a full-scale boycott forcing a director's removal is rare. Shows the CWAB has real teeth. The comment about the T20 World Cup was also very irresponsible from a board official.
R
Rohit P
While the official's remarks were wrong, I hope this doesn't set a precedent where players hold the game hostage for every grievance. The board must function with authority. A balance is needed. The "Indian agent" jab was cheap politics, not cricket administration.
P
Priya S
Good move by BCB. You cannot disrespect your own players like that. Tamim's suggestion for dialogue with BCCI/ICC was practical, not treason! We in India also have board politics, but public insults to legends like that would not be tolerated. Best of luck to Bangladesh cricket.
K
Karthik V
The real issue is the comment about the World Cup. Saying the board has "no profit or loss" if Bangladesh doesn't play is shocking! What about the fans? The country's pride? Players felt humiliated because he reduced their national duty to a balance sheet. Sad state of affairs.
M
Michael C
From a governance perspective, the president taking over the finance committee himself is a standard crisis management move. Hope they appoint a competent, respectful person soon. The players have shown unity, which is powerful. Hope the BPL gets back on track.

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