Najmul Islam, the chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s finance committee, was fired on Thursday after senior national team players rebelled against him for disparaging them.
Toss in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match between Naokhali Express and Chattogram Royals in Dhaka on Thursday was postponed due to the absence of both teams and the players’ united demand that Najmul be removed immediately.
Najmul was removed from his position as chairman of the board’s financial committee by BCB in response to player and public outcry. It’s unknown if he is still a director of BCB.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to inform that, following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB President has decided to release Mr. Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect,” said the BCB in a statement.
“Until further notice, the BCB President will assume the role of Acting Chairman of the Finance Committee. The BCB reiterates that the interests of the cricketers remain its highest priority. The Board remains fully committed to upholding the honour and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction,” it added.
The controversy began when Najmul dismissed issues over players’ compensation in the event that Bangladesh withdrew from the T20 World Cup, citing “security worries” as the reason for the country’s unwillingness to travel to India.
He declared that the players would not receive payment because they have not yet earned the support due to their failure to win an ICC event. The statement infuriated CWAB, who demanded that he be fired from BCB right now. Najmul was also served a showcause notice by the BCB.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reiterates its regret over the recent objectionable comments made by a member of the Board.
“The BCB acknowledges the concern caused by the remarks and wishes to reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, respect for cricketers and the values that nurture the game of cricket,” the BCB stated in a press release earlier on Thursday.
“…the Board has already initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against the Board member concerned. A show-cause letter has been issued, and the individual has been instructed to submit a written response within 48 hours,” it added.
After bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL on the BCCI’s orders due to vague “developments all around,” Bangladesh is refusing to tour India, claiming security concerns.
After the ICC expressed reluctance to move Bangladesh’s four games in India to Sri Lanka, the BCB is currently in negotiations with the organization to find a solution.
Former captain Tamim Iqbal was previously referred to by Najmul as a “agent of India” when he advocated for a measured approach to the impasse with India, cautioning that decisions made now will have consequences ten years later. Najmul’s statement was denounced by the CWAB.
In addition to calling for a practical approach, Bangladesh Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto disclosed that the players are under a great deal of stress as a result of the current situation.
“We have been discussing with the BCB for many issues but didn’t get any solution. We are now hopeless. Cricketers are playing the game for pride. We told him to say sorry but he became more desperate. He can’t make such comment.
“They are taking long time to solve women’s team matters. Without evidence, nine players were omitted from BPL for alleged corruption in BPL.
“There is also less facilities for women’s players,” CWAB president Mohammad Mithun said before action was taken against Najmul.
“We always say that cricket board is our guardian. But something like this came from one of them is really disappointing. Cricket board is run by ICC and sponsor incomes. We give the highest tax 25-30 percent,” senior all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz said.
Both current T20 captain Litton Das and Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto shared their opinions on the contentious issue.
“As a player whether its male or female, they need to get paid better. We have good money and the BCB needs to use that properly,” said Litton.
“We always say about gender equality and the women need to feel safe. I think the matter should have solved as soon as possible but the dates are just get delayed.
“The women’s team also achieved some serious achievements. We want to solve the issue as early as possible,” opined Shanto.
