Bangladesh Cricket in Turmoil: Players Threaten Strike Over BCB Director’s Remarks

Dhaka: Bangladesh cricket is facing a major crisis as national team players have announced an indefinite boycott of all formats in protest against allegedly disrespectful comments made by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M. Najmul Islam. The players have made it clear that they will not take the field until Najmul Islam resigns from his position.

Players Outraged by Insulting Remarks
The controversy erupted on Wednesday when BCB director Najmul Islam made comments to the media that the players considered deeply insulting and offensive. The remarks were seen as a direct attack on the players’ dignity, prompting the national team to unite and take the unprecedented step of a full-scale boycott. Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh, confirmed the decision just hours after the comments were made.

Bangladesh Premier League at Risk
The players’ protest could directly affect the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), with two key matches scheduled for 15 January. If the standoff continues, these matches may be postponed or canceled, potentially causing significant financial losses for the board and event organizers.

BCB Issues Clarification
In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a statement seeking to distance itself from Najmul Islam’s comments and mitigate the fallout. The BCB expressed regret for any statements deemed inappropriate, offensive, or hurtful and emphasized that such views do not represent the board’s official position or values. The board further clarified that any remarks not issued by an official spokesperson or the media department should be treated as the individual’s personal opinion.

Assurance of Action and Player Support
To calm the situation, the BCB promised strict disciplinary action against anyone showing disrespect toward players or harming cricket’s reputation. The board reaffirmed that players remain central to Bangladesh cricket, and their welfare and contribution will continue to be its highest priority.