Bangladesh cricket is currently engulfed in one of its most severe administrative crisis in recent years, as players, led by the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), have enforced a nationwide boycott of all forms of cricket. This dramatic standoff stems from derogatory and “objectionable” public remarks made by BCB finance committee chairman and director M Nazmul Islam on Wednesday. Late on Thursday afternoon, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sent out a media release saying that Nazmul had been released ‘from his responsibilities’.
The controversy escalated rapidly when Nazmul addressed the potential financial implications if Bangladesh were to withdraw from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, amid ongoing venue disputes involving India. He stated that the financial fallout would be borne solely by the players, with no compensation from the board in the event of withdrawal. He further suggested that players should repay the “crores and crores of taka” the BCB has invested in them if they underperform – remarks that have been widely condemned as disrespectful and humiliating to the entire cricket fraternity.
In response, CWAB president Mohammad Mithun, speaking at a press conference attended by prominent players past and present, including Tamim Iqbal, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Nazmul Hasan Shanto, demanded Nazmul’s immediate resignation. Mithun emphasised that players have repeatedly attempted to resolve long-standing issues through dialogue but have received no meaningful action from the BCB.
“This is really very sad, and as you’ve seen, we have protested against it,” he said. “For us cricketers, this is a matter of honour. It’s not just cricketers, but everyone related to cricket – I think all have been insulted.” He added that Nazmul Islam is “not fit to be the face of Bangladesh cricket”, questioning why disciplinary action was swiftly applied to players but not to board members.
Miraz, a key voice at the press conference, clarified the financial realities of Bangladesh cricket to counter prevailing misconceptions.
“We know that an incident happened yesterday,” he told reporters. “We always say that the cricket board is our guardian, and if they make such comments, it is definitely very sad and unfortunate for us. One thing should be made clear: often when we play badly, people say, ‘Brother, you guys are not playing well. We pay your salaries with our money. It’s because we give money that you get to play on the field.’
“But the reality is not like that. The money we earn – the maximum comes from the ICC and sponsors. And today, whatever money the cricket board has, I feel that a share of it belongs to everyone who has represented the national team from the very beginning until now, those who have worn the Bangladesh jersey and played. This is because today’s cricket board revenue has come through the hard work and struggles of every single person. Every individual has a rightful claim to it.
“It is because games are played on the field that our cricket board is in such a strong position today. If no matches are played, sponsors will not come, and we will not receive revenue from the ICC either. But I feel this is not just a personal matter – this is shameful for every cricket-loving person in the cricket fraternity.”
The boycott took immediate effect on Thursday. Matches in the Dhaka Cricket League failed to start in the morning, and the first BPL fixture of the day between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express was delayed indefinitely after both teams refused to arrive at the venue for the scheduled 12:30 pm local-time toss. Players from both sides expressed solidarity with the CWAB call.
In a bid to de-escalate the situation, the BCB issued a show-cause notice to Nazmul on Thursday, requiring a written explanation within 48 hours and initiating formal disciplinary proceedings. But the strike action forced their hand, and resulted in his termination.
The board distanced itself from his remarks, expressing regret and reaffirming that players are the “main stakeholders and the lifeblood” of Bangladesh cricket, while urging professionalism to ensure the BPL continues.
However, CWAB remained firm, with Mithun stating that players wanted to play – including for their fans – but would not return to the field unless their demands are met, including Nazmul’s resignation. They have also highlighted additional grievances: the poor handling of women’s cricket, including safety concerns and inadequate facilities; delays in resolving Dhaka League issues; and the suspension of nine players on match-fixing allegations without concrete evidence or public disclosure.
“We don’t support corruption,” said Mithun. “Nine players were kept away from the BPL on charges of corruption without any proof or evidence. That can’t happen. If fixing is taking place, there has to be proof, and it must be made public.”
Had the boycott continued indefinitely, the board would have been confronted with potential compensation demands. The players insist they are not against cricket, but are exhausted by repeated unfulfilled promises and public humiliation.
For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz
