Bangladesh cricket is currently going through a serious crisis. The ongoing dispute between the players and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has escalated to such an extent that the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is also under threat.
The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has clearly stated that the players will only return to cricket if BCB Director M Nazmul Islam publicly apologizes and the process of removing him from his position on the board moves forward.
In a press release, CWAB said, “We have informed the BCB that if he apologizes publicly and the process regarding his directorship continues, we will be ready to return to cricket from Friday.” This statement has further intensified the turmoil in Bangladesh cricket.
Players Reconsider Boycott After Wider Impact
The players also acknowledged that they had initially decided to boycott all forms of cricket, but have now reconsidered the impact of that decision. According to CWAB, the current situation could affect not only the senior players but the entire cricket system of the country.
CWAB said, “We are continuing discussions among ourselves regarding the ongoing complications in Bangladesh cricket. Through our discussions, we, the cricketers, have realized that our women’s national team are currently playing in the World Cup qualifiers in Nepal, the men’s national team have the T20 World Cup ahead of them, and the men’s Under-19 team are currently taking part in the World Cup.”
The statement further added, “The impact of suspending all forms of cricket could affect all these teams.”
The players also made an important point regarding the BPL. According to CWAB, “We also consider the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to be extremely important. Therefore, in the greater interest of cricket, we have reconsidered our earlier decision.”
BCB Action, Najmul Removed From Key Role
Amidst this entire controversy, the BCB has removed Najmul Islam from the position of Chairman of the Finance Committee. However, he remains a board director. The BCB statement said, “…Following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organization, the BCB President has decided to release Mr. Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect.” The BCB also stated, “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 appealed to the players to participate in the BPL, saying, “The BCB hopes that all cricketers will continue to display the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to the betterment of Bangladesh cricket during what is a challenging period for the game…and will do their utmost to ensure continued participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).”
The controversy began when Nazmul cited security concerns regarding the T20 World Cup to be held in India and mentioned the issue of unpaid dues to the players.
His statements drew sharp criticism, and the CWAB (Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh) took a strong stance against him.
