Bangladesh Cricket Board director M Najmul Islam is once again at the centre of controversy, this time drawing sharp criticism over his remarks on umpires’ match fees.
Najmul had earlier drawn condemnation after referring to Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent.” That was followed by remarks many considered disrespectful regarding cricketers’ payments and Bangladesh’s World Cup performance. The fallout escalated to the point where BPL matches were halted for a day following a players’ boycott led by the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB). Although he was removed as head of the finance committee amid player protests, the board later reinstated him.
In an interview with Ekhon TV on Thursday, Najmul questioned the increase in umpires’ match fees. “Two years ago, an umpire’s match fee was 700 dollars and now, after two years, it’s 2,000 dollars. If I give someone an increment, there must be a limit. If I have to increase it, I have to do it in line with my surrounding circumstances,” he said.
His comments have drawn criticism at a time when the BCB has been working to improve standards in umpiring and match officiating. The current board has conducted regular workshops, expanded development programs at district level, and brought umpires and match referees under central contracts.
Just few days ago, a two-day workshop was held under the guidance of former ICC Elite Panel umpire and five-time Umpire of the Year Simon Taufel. Through this development system, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat became the first Bangladeshi umpire to be included in the ICC Elite Panel.
Many within the cricket community say Najmul’s remarks cannot be viewed as an isolated incident.
Former BCB director and Chattogram cricket organiser Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir told Times of Bangladesh, “These are not isolated comments. Many of the current directors were never directly involved in running club cricket or understanding the umpiring structure. If they had practical experience in these areas, such comments would not have been made.”
The remarks have also left several umpires dissatisfied.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a BCB-listed umpire said, “Compared to many other countries, our umpires still earn less. The increase has been modest, yet there is objection to that. Why comment on everything? There is a separate umpires’ committee to oversee these matters. It is disappointing that such remarks are being made.”
Sirajuddin further blamed what he described as a lack of experience within the current board. “If they were involved in cricket administration before, they would have gained experience. The problem is there is no maturity or understanding of cricket at that level,” he said.
A former top BCB official, also speaking anonymously, described the comments as unfortunate. “These types of statements reflect in other non-cricketing decisions as well. Whether it is about playing the World Cup or the state of domestic cricket, inexperience shows. With this kind of board, it is difficult to expect better.”
In the same television interview, Najmul also raised questions about purchases made for the Under-19 team. “A pair of shoes is being shown at Tk 30,000. I do not know whether that money was actually spent or directly given. But funds were withdrawn through the board,” he said.
Sources indicate that several board directors are unhappy with his repeated public comments. It is understood that formal complaints have been lodged with BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul, and some directors have even threatened resignation over the issue.
