Bangladesh Cricketers Threaten BPL Boycott After Director’s Comments Amid T20 World Cup Venue Row
Cricketers’ Welfare Association objects to senior official’s comments amid T20 World Cup venue row; BCB distances itself and warns of disciplinary action.
DHAKA, Jan 15 : Bangladesh cricket is embroiled in a fresh controversy as players have threatened to boycott the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) following remarks made by M. Nazmul Islam, Finance Committee chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The situation comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the T20 World Cup venue issue.
The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) strongly condemned Islam’s comments, calling them unacceptable and damaging to players’ dignity. The controversy was triggered by a now deleted Facebook post in which Islam referred to former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent”. Tamim had previously urged constructive dialogue with the ICC and BCCI, stressing that decisions regarding the T20 World Cup should consider Bangladesh cricket’s long-term interests and financial security.
The controversy escalated when Islam told reporters that the BCB would not incur financial losses if Bangladesh did not participate in the T20 World Cup due to reluctance to travel to India. “The board has no profit or loss here. Whether Bangladesh plays or not, there is no profit or loss for the board at least for this World Cup,” he said.
BCB Responds
On Wednesday evening, the BCB issued a statement distancing itself from Islam’s remarks, emphasizing that they do not reflect the board’s values or official stance.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to address recent comments made by a member of the Board that have generated concern,” the statement read. “The Board expresses its sincere regret for remarks that may be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or hurtful. Such comments do not reflect the values, principles, or official position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.”
The BCB clarified that statements made outside authorised communication channels are personal and should not be construed as board policy. It also warned that disciplinary action could be taken against individuals whose conduct disrespects cricketers or harms the reputation of Bangladesh cricket.
“The Board unequivocally reaffirms its full support for and respect towards all cricketers, past and present, who have represented the country with dedication and pride. Players remain at the heart of Bangladesh cricket, and their welfare continues to be a top priority,” the statement added.
