Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Najmul Islam has been removed from all duties following his controversial comments about national team players.
A senior official of the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed the decision on Thursday. The board is yet to make a formal announcement.
Najmul Islam was serving as the chairman of the BCB’s finance committee. The issue surfaced on Wednesday evening at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. He was speaking to reporters after being asked about Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The question focused on security concerns in India. Najmul was asked whether the BCB would pay compensation to players if Bangladesh failed to travel for the World Cup. His reply sparked strong reactions.
“Why should we? If they go and can’t do anything, if they play badly, we spend crores of taka on them anyway. Do we ever ask them to return that money?” he said.
The comment drew heavy criticism from players and former cricketers. The Cricket Players Welfare Association of Bangladesh reacted later that night. The players’ body warned of a complete boycott of cricket unless Najmul stepped down before the next day’s first match.
When he did not resign, the protest took effect. The Bangladesh Premier League match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express did not start. No team came to the ground, and the game was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The incident has added to the growing tension in Bangladesh cricket. Player welfare and board conduct are now under sharp focus as the situation continues to unfold.
