Bangladesh Cricket Board finance committee chairman M Najmul Islam has come under renewed scrutiny after making a series of controversial allegations against fellow BCB committees, further straining his already fragile standing within the board.
Najmul, a long-standing lightning rod for controversy, has been at the centre of repeated disputes with players and officials. His relationship with the dressing room deteriorated sharply in recent months after a string of remarks widely viewed as demeaning, prompting players to threaten a boycott of the Bangladesh Premier League. The standoff was only resolved after senior figures within the BCB assured players that action would be taken.
Although Najmul was initially relieved of his responsibilities, he returned to his role as finance committee chairman following a board meeting on January 24, a decision that left many players feeling betrayed.
Within cricket circles, Najmul has become a figure of ridicule, earning the nickname “Coconut Najmul” after objecting to players consuming coconuts, which he described as an excessive expense.
His latest comments have extended the controversy beyond players to the Umpires Committee and the Game Development Committee. Speaking in a recent interview with Ekhon TV, Najmul questioned what he described as “abnormal” increases in match fees for umpires.
“If I look at the issue of umpires, two years ago an umpire whose salary or match fee was 700 dollars now has a match fee of 2,000 dollars,” he said. “To me, these progressions are actually abnormal. If I give someone an increment, there must be a limit. I have to increase it in line with my surrounding circumstances.”
Najmul also raised doubts about expenditure within the Under-19 programme, particularly regarding equipment purchases.
“If you talk about cricket gear, if the price of a pair of shoes is considered to be Tk30,000 for a rising star, that boy may not even spend Tk30,000 in a whole year, yet a pair of shoes worth Tk30,000 is allocated for him,” he said. “I do not know whether this money was given directly to them or actually spent, but through the board, this money has been taken out.”
The remarks have angered several BCB directors, who have described them as insulting and damaging. Multiple board members have already conveyed their concerns to BCB president Aminul Islam.
Umpires Committee chairman Iftekhar Rahman responded forcefully, questioning Najmul’s understanding of professional cricket finances.
“Does he know what he is talking about? I’ve said today that he doesn’t even know how much USD2,500 is,” Iftekhar told the Daily Sun on Thursday. “One of the top 10 umpires in the world, an Elite Panel umpire from Bangladesh, how much will you give him? Will you give him Tk200?”
Iftekhar also defended the cost of professional equipment provided to players, particularly fast bowlers.
“Expensive shoes were given to the pace bowlers. If you wear good shoes, you won’t have spinal problems,” he said. “Go online and check the price of Adidas shoes for pace bowlers. If it sells for Tk30,000 in Dhaka, where is the issue? He even insulted us by asking if they pocketed the money.”
He added that Najmul’s comments reflected a lack of awareness about the market value of professional cricket equipment.
“He doesn’t even know that a Tk60,000 bat is not a top-quality bat. The price of a top-quality bat is Tk1.5 to 2.5 lakh,” Iftekhar said.
With frustration within the board said to be nearing breaking point, several directors are expected to meet President Aminul Islam later on Thursday. After the latest round of controversy, Najmul’s position appears increasingly untenable, with the possibility of his replacement now being openly discussed.
