The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reiterated its full support for the country’s cricketers following remarks by a senior board member that sparked concern.
BCB director and finance committee chairman M Nazmul Islam, speaking on Wednesday evening outside the media plaza at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, responded to questions about whether the board would compensate players if Bangladesh do not participate in the ICC T20 World Cup in India due to security concerns.
“Why should we?” Nazmul said. “If they go and do nothing, play badly, after we have spent so many crores on them, do we ever ask them to return that money? Answer that first.”
His comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament, with the BCB having sent two emails to the ICC requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be moved out of India. A virtual meeting between the ICC and the BCB on Tuesday failed to produce a decision, leaving the team’s World Cup fate unresolved.
Nazmul emphasised that while players could face financial losses, the board itself would not. “The Bangladesh Cricket Board will not be affected, but the cricketers will be. If they play, they receive match fees for each game. If someone becomes player of the match or delivers a special performance, they are paid according to ICC rules. That money belongs to the player. There is no connection with the board here. Whether Bangladesh play or not, there is no profit or loss for the board, at least for this World Cup.”
Following Nazmul’s remarks, the BCB issued a statement clarifying its official position. The board expressed regret over any comments that could be deemed inappropriate or offensive and underlined that statements made by individual directors do not represent the BCB’s policies or views unless issued through authorised channels.
The board also reaffirmed its full support for all cricketers, past and present, noting that players’ welfare and dignity remain a top priority. It confirmed that any conduct showing disrespect towards cricketers or harming the reputation of Bangladesh cricket will be addressed through appropriate disciplinary measures.
The BCB emphasised that it remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and mutual respect at all levels of the game, and that its official stance continues to prioritise the interests and well-being of its players.
