Bangladesh Cricket Board Dismisses Finance Chair Amid Player Protests

BCB Takes Action Against Finance Committee Chair

Dhaka [Bangladesh], January 15: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the immediate dismissal of Nazmul Islam from his role as chairperson of the Finance Committee.

This decision follows protests from Bangladesh cricketers and the Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), who demanded Nazmul's resignation due to his inappropriate remarks regarding the national men's team and former player Tamim Iqbal. The unrest affected the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), as players from Chittagong Royals and Noakhali Express boycotted the first match of the day.

In an official statement, the BCB noted, “After reviewing recent events and prioritizing the organization’s interests, the BCB President has decided to relieve Mr. Nazmul Islam of his duties as Chairman of the Finance Committee immediately.”

The board emphasized that this decision aligns with the authority granted to the BCB President under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution, aiming to ensure the smooth operation of the Board's activities.

Until further notice, BCB President Mohammed Aminul Islam will serve as the acting chair of the Finance Committee.

The BCB reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the welfare of cricketers, stating, “The Board is dedicated to maintaining the honor and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction. We hope that all cricketers will uphold professionalism and dedication to the advancement of Bangladesh cricket during this challenging time.”

Former captain Tamim Iqbal faced derogatory comments from Nazmul, who labeled him an “Indian agent” after Iqbal suggested dialogue to address tensions in cricket relations between Bangladesh and India, particularly concerning the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup following Mustafizur's release, Tamim urged the BCB to resolve the matter through dialogue, prioritizing the country's cricketing interests. He made these comments during the trophy unveiling for the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament on January 9.

The situation escalated when Nazmul made further controversial statements, claiming that the BCB owes no compensation to cricketers if they miss the T20 World Cup, arguing that the board has never sought reimbursement from players for past failures at ICC events.

“The question of compensation doesn’t arise. We have invested significantly in them, yet they haven’t achieved anything. Have we won a single global trophy? If we had, we could have demanded reimbursement for their failures,” Nazmul stated, as reported by local media.

These remarks led to calls for a boycott, with players threatening to withdraw from all forms of cricket until Nazmul resigns.

During a press conference in Banani, CWAB President Mohammad Mithun stated that players are willing to return to the field only if Nazmul resigns within 48 hours. “If he remains, the responsibility for halting play will not lie with the cricketers, provided the BCB makes an official declaration,” Mithun asserted.

The first BPL match of the day was set to take place between Chittagong Royals and Noakhali Express at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at 1 PM, but players from both teams did not attend, signaling the onset of a boycott.

Local media reported that cricketers outlined five main reasons for their stance during the press conference, including the ongoing crisis in Dhaka First Division cricket, the BCB's handling of sexual harassment allegations against women cricketers, demands for Nazmul's resignation, and broader concerns regarding facilities and opportunities in women's cricket.

Players emphasized that they are not against playing but require meaningful action from the BCB. Until their demands are met, they remain firm in their decision to abstain from competitive cricket.

In a press conference in Dhaka, star player Mehidy Hasan Miraz countered Nazmul's statements, asserting that most players' income derives from the ICC and sponsors, calling Nazmul's comments “shameful for the entire cricket fraternity.”

“The funds we earn primarily come from the ICC and sponsors. Everyone who has represented the national team has contributed to the cricket board's current funds. This is a result of collective effort, and every player has a right to it,” Mehidy stated, as reported by a local media channel.

“If no games were played, sponsors wouldn’t come, and we wouldn’t receive revenue from the ICC. This issue transcends personal matters; it’s a disgrace for the entire cricket community. I find Nazmul's comments inappropriate for someone in his position,” he added.

Mehidy also highlighted that players contribute approximately 25-30% of their income in taxes, supporting the government. “We do not receive money from the government; all our earnings come from playing cricket. This misconception often leads to misunderstandings,” he concluded.