Bangladesh Cricketers Stand Firm on BPL Boycott Amid Controversy
Cricketers Demand Action Before Resuming Play
In Dhaka, Bangladesh cricketers are resolutely maintaining their stance against participating in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Mohammed Mithun, president of the Cricket Welfares Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), emphasized that the players will only return to the field if a significant demand is met, as reported by local media on Thursday.
During a press conference held in Banani, Mithun stated, "We will only take to the field if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) commits to removing a specific individual within 48 hours. If that person remains, the responsibility for halting play will not fall on the players, provided the BCB makes an official announcement."
The players are insisting on the resignation of BCB director M Nazmul Islam, arguing that without his departure, they have no choice but to continue their protest. They outlined five primary concerns during the press conference.
Key issues include the ongoing crisis in Dhaka First Division cricket, the BCB's management of sexual harassment allegations against women cricketers, the demand for Nazmul Islam's resignation, and broader issues regarding facilities and opportunities for women's cricket.
The cricketers clarified that they are not against playing but require substantial action from the BCB. Until their demands are met, they remain committed to their decision to abstain from competitive cricket.
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal faced criticism from M Najmul Islam, who labeled him an "Indian agent" after Iqbal suggested dialogue to address the current tensions in cricket relations between Bangladesh and India, particularly following 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 after 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 ceremony for the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament on January 9.
The situation escalated when Najmul made disparaging remarks about the BCB's obligation to compensate players if they miss the T20 World Cup, asserting that the board has never sought anything in return from players after failing to achieve significant success in ICC events.
"The issue of compensation is irrelevant. We have invested heavily in them, yet they have not delivered results. Have we won any global trophies? If we had, we could have demanded repayment for their failures," Najmul stated, according to reports.
The players' boycott first impacted the BPL on Thursday, as players from Chittagong Royals and Noakhali Express refused to take the field, demanding Nazmul's resignation due to his controversial remarks about the cricketers.
The scheduled match between Chittagong Royals and Noakhali Express at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium was disrupted as players from both teams did not arrive.
In response to Najmul's comments, Bangladesh star Mehidy Hasan Miraz defended the players, stating that most of their income is derived from the ICC and sponsorships, labeling Najmul's remarks as "shameful for the entire cricket fraternity."
"The majority of our earnings come from the ICC and sponsors. Every player who has represented the national team has contributed to the cricket board's current funds. If no matches are played, sponsors will not invest, and we will not receive revenue from the ICC. This is not just a personal issue; it reflects poorly on the entire cricket community," Mehidy Hasan remarked.
He also highlighted that players contribute approximately 25-30% of their income in taxes, supporting the government. "Many believe the government pays us, but all our earnings come from playing cricket. This misconception needs to be clarified," Mehidy concluded.
Bangladesh is set to begin their first three T20 World Cup matches at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on February 7 against West Indies, Italy, and England, before heading to Mumbai for their final Group C match against Nepal on February 17.