Bangladesh Cricket Faces Crisis as Players Go on Strike Over Director’s Comments

Bangladesh cricket is in turmoil as players’ strike has disrupted scheduled matches, following controversial remarks by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director M. Najmul Islam. The crisis comes amid ongoing tensions between Bangladesh and India over the T20 World Cup 2026.

Director Calls Tamim Iqbal an ‘India Agent’
The controversy began when Najmul Islam referred to former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal and other players as “India agents.” This remark angered Bangladeshi cricketers, prompting their representative body, Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), to announce a strike demanding Najmul Islam’s resignation.

BCB Apologizes and Issues Notice
In response, the BCB broke its silence, issuing an apology to the players for the director’s comments. The board described the remarks as “inappropriate, aggressive, and hurtful” and emphasized that such views do not reflect the official stance or values of the BCB. Najmul Islam has been issued a show-cause notice and given 48 hours to respond.

The board further clarified,
“Any statement by an individual board member or director that is not officially released by the board’s media and communications department reflects only personal opinion and should not be taken as board policy.”

Strike Halts Matches
Despite the board’s apology, CWAB has refused to call off the strike, demanding Najmul Islam resign from all positions within the BCB. As a result, four scheduled matches of the Dhaka Cricket League First Division on Thursday morning were canceled. The upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express, scheduled for Thursday evening, is also in jeopardy.

Ongoing Tensions Over T20 World Cup
The crisis is compounded by Bangladesh’s ongoing dispute with India over relocating matches for the T20 World Cup 2026, following the IPL ban of Mustafizur Rahman. While the ICC has not accepted Bangladesh’s request to shift matches, tensions remain high between players, board officials, and the director.

BCB Officials Attempt Mediation
BCB officials are reportedly engaging with CWAB leadership to resolve the standoff. Sources indicate that some board directors have assured CWAB president Mohammad Mithun that Najmul Islam is willing to resign as Finance Committee Chairman. However, CWAB insists the strike will continue until he resigns from all positions.

The BCB faces an unprecedented challenge as players’ unity continues to disrupt domestic and international fixtures, raising concerns over Bangladesh cricket’s stability ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.