In the midst of an ongoing standoff with India, the Bangladesh Cricket Board sent its director, M Najmul Islam, a showcause notice on Thursday for his comments disparaging the nation’s players. The board expressed hope that the incensed cricketers would back down from their boycott threat, which could cause disruptions to its premier Twenty20 league.
According to media reports, the reason for the delay in Thursday’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match between Naokhali Express and Chattogram Royals in Dhaka was that neither team had arrived at the stadium. If Islam doesn’t step down, the players have threatened to boycott all cricket.
“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.
“…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.
The controversy began when Najmul dismissed worries about player compensation in the event that the nation withdrew, while repeating the nation’s unwillingness to travel to India for the T20 World Cup next month.
He declared that since the players had not yet proven their support, they would not be paid.
After bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL at the BCCI’s request due to vague “developments all around,” Bangladesh is declining to travel India due to security concerns. After the ICC expressed reluctance to move Bangladesh’s four games in India to Sri Lanka, negotiations are still underway to find a solution.
While urging the players not to boycott cricket, the BCB promised to deal with Najmul.
“The matter will be dealt with through due process, and appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the proceedings. The BCB firmly believes that the players are the main stakeholders and the lifeblood of the BPL and of all cricketing activities under the Board.
“The Board sincerely hopes that the cricketers will continue to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment by supporting the successful completion of the tournament and ensuring the smooth continuity of the BPL 2026,” it added.
Former captain Tamim Iqbal was previously referred to by Najmul as an “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 deemed “utterly condemnable” by the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB).
