Bangladesh cricket is a classic case of how to self-destruct, conceding one own goal after another. In the last 48 hours, the entire saga over Nazmul Islam has cost Bangladesh cricket dearly and pushed it to a point of no return. For someone in a position of power to make comments that are insulting and humiliating towards his own players is unheard of, and it ultimately forced the BCB to relieve him of his responsibilities.
Frankly, the BCB was compelled to act once they realised that the players would revolt again within 48 hours if no action was taken. Nazmul, in trying to placate political masters and woo the electorate, has caused enormous damage to Bangladesh cricket and, in the process, made his own position untenable.
At the press conference organised by the players, the presence of one individual was particularly significant: Tamim Iqbal. It is well known how he feels, and as a bona fide legend of Bangladesh cricket, it was good to see Tamim sitting alongside the players. His presence is proof that the players are not anti-Tamim, and it would be a cruel blow for them if they do not get to play in the T20 World Cup because of the political hard line adopted by those in power.
Either way, Bangladesh is the loser. They are already cornered, with relations between the BCB and the players badly damaged. While Mehidy Hasan Miraz was gracious in acknowledging the role of the BCB, the Board’s attempt to douse the fire by issuing a show-cause notice to Nazmul did not cut ice with the players. Eventually, the BCB was forced to act and remove him from the system.
It was interesting to hear Mehidy say at the press conference that a large part of the BCB’s revenue comes from the ICC, and that this is what stands to be impacted if Bangladesh do not come to India. Not only will the players lose out, but it will also put the BCB’s finances under strain if the ICC ends up imposing fines on Bangladesh for not turning up and not honouring the participating nations agreement.
So what is the end game? Frankly, there is none. Either way, Bangladesh will lose — or perhaps already has. They now need to minimise their losses and try to find a face-saving solution. That the ICC has not said a word to the BCCI is evident from the fact that ticket sales for Bangladesh games have continued uninterrupted.
The BCCI, quite rightly, has kept mum. With the ICC unwilling to relent, the BCB will now have to either eat humble pie or continue with the bravado and be prepared to suffer financial losses while alienating its players in the process. So much for Nazmul and his loose talk.
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