BCB bow down to players' demands hoping to resume BPL as Najmul Islam sacked after backlash – Firstpost

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has released director Najmul Islam from his duties as the chairman of finance committee after his controversial remarks triggered backlash from the players who boycotted a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match demanding his sacking.

The step was taken in an emergency meeting after Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), gave an ultimatum of 48 hours to remove Islam threatening to boycott all cricket in the country.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

“Following a review of recent developments and in the finest interest of the organisation, the BCB President has decided to release Mr. Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect,” BCB informed in a press release the players’ body’s demands.

More from First Cricket Cricket comes to a halt in Bangladesh as players’ boycott forces BCB to initiate action against director USA U19 vs India U19 Live Score, U19 World Cup 2026: Rain stops match after Suryavanshi out for 2

BCB says interest of cricketers ‘highest priority’

Islam had remarked that that the board was not responsible to pay the cricketers if they suffered financial loss due to their non-participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“If they go somewhere and cannot do anything, then the crores of Taka we spend behind them, do we ask for that funds back from them?” he had mentioned. Earlier, Islam had also called Bangladesh legend Tamim Iqbal an "Indian agent" after the former opener had asked the board to think about the future of cricket in country before taking final decision on World Cup participation.

The players had demanded his resignation and boycotted the BPL match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express. They had also threatened to boycott all further cricket until Islam was removed.

Quick Reads

View All

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in latest report

PCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversy

BCB thus jumped into action and now has released Islam, stating that the players’ interests were high priority for the board.

“The BCB reiterates that the interests of the cricketers remain its highest priority. The Board remains fully committed to upholding the honour and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction.

“In this regard, the BCB hopes that all cricketers will continue to display the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to the betterment of Bangladesh cricket during what is a challenging period for the contest and will do their utmost to ensure continued participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL),” a release by the board stated.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADTagsCricketHomeFirst CricketBCB bows down to players' demands hoping to resume BPL as Najmul Islam sacked after backlashEnd of Article