Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday removed director M Najmul Islam from all responsibilities, including his position as chairman of the finance committee, with immediate effect, following intense pressure from cricketers and the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB). The decision was taken by BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul, who will now serve as the acting chairman of the finance committee until further notice.
The board said the move was taken in the “best interest of the organisation” to ensure the smooth functioning of Bangladesh cricket at a time when the sport in the country is facing multiple challenges, including uncertainty surrounding international commitments and growing discontent among players.
Decision taken amid threat of BPL boycott
The decision comes just a day after CWAB issued a strong ultimatum, warning that players would boycott the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) if Najmul Islam did not step down before the opening match of the tournament on January 14. The opening fixture between Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka was under threat due to the standoff.
CWAB, which represents the collective voice of professional cricketers in the country, had accused Najmul of repeatedly making remarks that undermined players’ dignity and questioned their contribution to Bangladesh cricket. The threat of a boycott placed the BCB under significant pressure, as the BPL is a major domestic tournament and a key source of revenue for the board.
In a media release, the BCB stated: “Following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB president has decided to release Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as chairman of the finance committee with immediate effect.”
Controversial remarks spark outrage
Najmul Islam had come under fire for a series of controversial public statements, the most inflammatory of which involved former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal. He had reportedly labelled Tamim an “Indian agent,” a remark that triggered widespread backlash from players, former cricketers and fans alike.
The comments were seen as not only personal attacks but also damaging to the unity and morale of the national cricketing set-up. Several senior players expressed their anger privately and publicly, calling the remarks disrespectful and unbecoming of a senior board official.
CWAB and players speak out
At a press conference held on Wednesday, CWAB president Mohammad Mithun launched a scathing attack on Najmul, stating that his remarks had crossed all acceptable limits.
“Everything has a limit. When that limit is crossed, it not only questions me but the entire cricket fraternity. Everyone has been insulted,” Mithun said. He further accused Najmul of showing a complete lack of respect for Bangladesh cricket, its achievements and its players.
Mithun added that Najmul’s comments demeaned major milestones achieved by the national team, including performances in ICC tournaments. According to him, such statements from a board official erode trust between players and administrators.
Remarks on player payments worsen the situation
The situation escalated further after Najmul suggested that Bangladesh players should not be compensated if the country were to boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup. He went a step further by claiming that if players demanded financial remuneration, the board should also have the authority to reclaim money from players when they failed to perform on the field.
“We spend so much on them, yet they go to different places and fail to deliver. Have we won even a single global title to date? Every time, we could say: you didn’t perform, so return the money we spent on you,” Najmul had said while speaking to reporters.
These remarks drew sharp criticism across the cricketing fraternity, with many pointing out that such statements ignore the professional nature of modern cricket and the risks players take in representing their country.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz condemns comments
Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz was among the players who openly condemned Najmul’s remarks. He said that the board’s revenue and popularity exist only because players participate in tournaments and represent the country at the highest level.
Mehidy described the comments as shameful, inappropriate and damaging, especially coming from someone holding a responsible position within the board. His statement echoed the broader sentiment among players that respect and mutual understanding are essential for the growth of Bangladesh cricket.
BCB appeals for professionalism
In its official statement, the BCB reiterated that the interests of cricketers remain its highest priority. The board urged players to maintain professionalism and continue participating in the BPL despite the ongoing turbulence.
“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,” the statement said.
Wider uncertainty over T20 World Cup
The developments also come amid uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. After Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2025 squad, the BCB stated that the team would not travel to India and requested that their World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka or another neutral venue.
The board has written twice to the International Cricket Council (ICC) reiterating its stance, but a final decision is still pending, with less than a month remaining before the tournament.
Conclusion
The removal of Najmul Islam marks a significant moment in Bangladesh cricket administration, highlighting the growing influence of players’ voices in governance matters. While the decision has temporarily defused the immediate crisis surrounding the BPL, it also underscores deeper issues of communication, respect and accountability within the board. How the BCB navigates these challenges in the coming weeks will be crucial for maintaining stability and trust in Bangladesh cricket.