Bangladesh cricket in turmoil: Players’ boycott threat as BCB disowns director’s remarks amid T20 World Cup standoff

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh cricket plunged into fresh turmoil on Wednesday as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) publicly distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its director Najmul Islam, even as players threatened to boycott domestic matches and uncertainty deepened over the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India.

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The controversy erupted after Najmul questioned the commitment of national cricketers, suggesting that certain players had failed to justify the support and resources invested in them. His comments were widely seen as disrespectful, triggering a strong backlash from former internationals, players’ bodies and fans on social media.




Responding to the uproar, the BCB issued a formal statement expressing regret over any remarks that may have been deemed inappropriate or hurtful, firmly stating that the comments did not reflect the board’s official position. “The BCB does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement unless it is formally issued through the board’s designated spokesperson or the Media and Communications Department,” the statement read, underlining that comments made outside authorised channels are personal in nature.

It has since emerged that players had threatened to boycott Thursday’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match unless the board took a clear stand and protected players’ honour. The board also warned that it would take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual whose conduct or comments disrespect cricketers or damage the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket.


Reaffirming its stance, the BCB said it holds all past and present players in the highest regard. “Players remain at the heart of Bangladesh cricket, and their contributions and welfare continue to be a top priority,” the statement added.

Najmul’s remarks came against the backdrop of an escalating standoff involving the ICC, and the BCCI over the T20 World Cup venue. Last week, Najmul courted further controversy by calling former captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” after Tamim urged the board not to be driven by emotion while deciding on Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup in India.

The BCB has cited security concerns in refusing to travel to India, particularly after the BCCI instructed an IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 squad amid tense bilateral relations. While the ICC remains reluctant to shift Bangladesh’s matches out of India, the BCB has stayed adamant.

Former captain Mohammad Ashraful criticised public attacks on players by administrators. “Issues should be handled internally. Such remarks demoralise players and damage the image of Bangladesh cricket,” he wrote on social media. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) said it was “stunned, shocked and outraged” by Najmul’s comments, calling them “utterly condemnable”.

Adding fuel to the fire, BCB finance committee chairman Najmul Hossain said the board would not face financial loss if Bangladesh skipped the World Cup. “There will be no loss for the Bangladesh Cricket Board; the loss will be for the players,” he said, noting that match fees and performance bonuses go directly to players. He also rejected the idea of compensating players if the team withdraws.


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