Bangladesh Cricketers End Boycott, Resume BPL 2025-26 Matches

Return to the Field After Controversy

Dhaka (Bangladesh), January 16: Cricketers in Bangladesh are set to return to action in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 season following a brief boycott triggered by controversial comments from Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Nazmul Islam.

After a meeting involving the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and the BCB, the situation has been addressed. Players will be back on the field starting Friday, leading to minor adjustments in the BPL schedule.

Earlier this week, Nazmul Islam faced backlash after labeling former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal an 'Indian agent' for advocating dialogue between cricketing nations to resolve the T20 World Cup impasse. This followed the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from IPL 2026, as directed by the BCCI due to concerns over minority treatment in Bangladesh. Nazmul further inflamed tensions by stating that the BCB is not obligated to compensate players if they miss the T20 World Cup, citing the team's lack of major trophy wins.

In response to these remarks, players opted to boycott all cricketing activities, demanding Nazmul's removal from the BCB. Although the BCB questioned him and relieved him of his finance committee duties, he retained his position as a director. Ultimately, the players decided to lift their boycott and continue participating in the league.

The BPL 2026 matches that were originally set for January 15, 2026, featuring Chattogram Royals against Noakhali Express and Rajshahi Warriors facing Sylhet Titans, will now take place on Friday, January 16. Matches scheduled for January 16 and 17 have been postponed by one day, now occurring on January 17 and 18, respectively.

Additionally, the Eliminator and Qualifier 1, initially planned for January 19, have been rescheduled to January 20.