BCB to Investigate Threats Against Players Amid Protests

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to investigate threats made against players and CWAB president Mohammad Mithun during recent protests. Mithun, who has been vocal in leading the players' boycott, reported receiving threatening calls. He emphasized that the protests were solely about cricket and self-respect, denying any disrespect towards the country. BCB's director has assured that the security team will address these threats seriously. The situation escalated following controversial comments about former captain Tamim Iqbal, further complicating the cricketing landscape in Bangladesh. Read on for more details about this unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 02:18 IST

BCB Takes Action on Threats to Players

Dhaka [Bangladesh], January 16: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced an investigation into the threats directed at protesting players and Mohammad Mithun, the president of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB). Mithun reported receiving threatening phone calls, as noted by a sports news outlet.

As the leader of the players' boycott, Mithun has also been involved in discussions with the BCB. He emphasized that during the protests, which led to the postponement of two Bangladesh Premier League matches and several Dhaka league games, he refrained from making any inflammatory remarks.

“Everyone who has appeared on camera has been receiving hostile messages and threats through calls from various individuals,” Mithun stated during a late-night press conference in Dhaka. “I am confident that I have not used any language that belittles anyone or engaged in any debates against the nation. My focus has solely been on cricket, advocating for our self-respect. We are being labeled as enemies of the country, but we have never spoken ill of it. No CWAB member or player would ever disrespect our nation,” he added.

BCB director Iftekhar mentioned that he has instructed the board's security team to assist Mithun and others who have received threatening calls. “Our security department is well-known. I have just learned about the players' concerns regarding these calls, and we will ensure the security team addresses this matter seriously,” he said.

Iftekhar also commented on remarks made by M Nazmul Islam, who referred to former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal as an 'Indian agent' after Iqbal suggested dialogue to ease the current cricket tensions between Bangladesh and India. This situation escalated following the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL squad.

“The situation has only deteriorated due to his additional comments,” Iftekhar remarked. “The board president has confirmed that he expressed concerns regarding these statements to the director. Although he has denied this communication to some media outlets, I can verify that it did occur.”