Bangladesh Cricketers Demand Resignation Amid Controversy
Crisis in Bangladesh Cricket
On January 15, a significant crisis unfolded in Bangladesh cricket as players threatened to boycott all cricket activities unless M Najmul Islam, a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), stepped down. This situation arose following controversial remarks made by Islam regarding the nation's cricketers, as reported by a local news outlet.
During a scheduled match between Chittagong Royals and Noakhali Express at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, players from both teams refused to participate, demanding Islam's resignation.
At a press conference in Dhaka, cricketer Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed that the majority of their earnings come from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and sponsorships, labeling Islam's comments as "shameful for the entire cricket fraternity."
Mehidy Hasan emphasized that the funds the cricket board currently possesses are a result of the hard work of all players who have represented Bangladesh. He stated, "If no games were played, sponsors wouldn’t come, and we wouldn’t receive revenue from the ICC. This is not just a personal issue; it reflects poorly on the entire cricket community."
He also highlighted that players contribute significantly to the government through taxes, paying around 25-30% of their income. "Many believe that the government pays us, but that’s a misconception. Our earnings stem solely from our performances on the field," he clarified.
The press conference also addressed several pressing issues, including the crisis in Dhaka First Division cricket, the BCB's response to allegations of sexual harassment against female cricketers, and the demand for M Najmul Islam's resignation.
COAB president Mohammad Mithun stated, "We will only return to the field if the BCB commits to removing this individual within 48 hours. If he stays, the responsibility for any halted play will not fall on the players, provided the BCB makes an official announcement."
This situation escalated as the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) issued an ultimatum for Islam's resignation following his derogatory comments about senior players, including former captain Tamim Iqbal.
Tamim Iqbal was labeled an "Indian agent" by Islam after he suggested dialogue to address the ongoing 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 in India, Tamim had previously urged the BCB to prioritize the country's cricketing interests during a trophy-unveiling event on January 9.
In response to the backlash, the BCB issued a show-cause notice to M Najmul Islam regarding his controversial public statements about the players. The board has initiated formal disciplinary proceedings, requiring Islam to submit a written explanation within 48 hours, with further actions to follow based on the findings.