Former BCB director and Bangladesh Champions co-owner Shanian Taneem has challenged former BCB Finance Committee chairman Najmul Islam to confront BCB president Tamim Iqbal directly over his controversial remarks, saying anyone who holds a position of responsibility must have the courage to say things face to face rather than through the media or on social platforms.
Taneem, who served as a director of the previous BCB board before resigning ahead of the formation of the ad hoc committee, made the remarks on Saturday on the sidelines of the Bangladesh Champions team announcement for the World Championship of Legends.
Taneem was asked whether Najmul would have the courage to repeat his controversial comments directly in front of Tamim. His response was pointed.
“When we hold such positions, we have many responsibilities,” Taneem said. “When I go to the media and say something, not just to Tamim Iqbal, even if I have to say it in front of the Prime Minister, I should have that courage. And when I make a comment, even if it is about Tamim Iqbal, I should have the courage to say it in front of him. He is most welcome.”
Taneem also reflected on accountability more broadly, drawing on his own experience with the previous board. “I was also in the previous board, there were a lot of good things that happened. But when bad things happened, I had the courage to say it while I was there. If this board also makes mistakes, I should have the courage to criticise that as well.”
He was unequivocal about what should drive everyone involved in Bangladesh cricket. “Cricket comes first. The new government always says Bangladesh comes first. We are serving the nation in some way, maybe on a small scale. But we believe that we have a very big responsibility to serve this cricket.”
The remarks stem from a controversy that engulfed Bangladesh cricket in recent weeks. Najmul Islam had publicly questioned whether the money spent on Bangladesh cricketers was justified given the absence of global trophies, and suggested that players, not the board, would be financially affected if Bangladesh failed to participate in ICC events. He described match fees and ICC rewards as individual entitlements rather than collective achievements.
The comments triggered an immediate and fierce backlash. The Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), comprising current and former national cricketers, threatened a boycott of the Bangladesh Premier League and demanded Najmul’s resignation before the tournament’s opening match. CWAB president Mohammad Mithun said no board official should speak about players in such a manner.
Several prominent cricketers, including Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain and Mehidy Hasan, publicly condemned the remarks. The BCB issued a statement expressing regret over any comments deemed “inappropriate, offensive or hurtful,” clarifying they did not represent the board’s official position, and confirmed a show-cause notice had been issued to Najmul.
The press conference at which Taneem spoke was held to announce Bangladesh’s squad for the World Championship of Legends, with the country set to participate in the tournament for the first time. Mahmudullah Riyad and Mohammad Ashraful were confirmed as part of the squad, with Taneem expressing hope that the side could go all the way.
On the absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, both of whom are facing legal complications linked to their political identities, Taneem was careful but clear. “We know them as cricketers, not as politicians. If they are able to play, our doors will always be open. But we cannot go beyond the law.”
The WCL has been held twice previously, both times in England. India won the inaugural edition in 2024 and South Africa claimed the title in 2025, with Pakistan finishing runners-up on both occasions.
