Dhaka [Bangladesh] :
Bangladesh cricket plunged into crisis on Thursday after players from Chittagong Royals and Noakhali Express refused to take the field for their scheduled Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match, demanding the resignation of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam over his controversial remarks against national cricketers, Channel 24 Bangladesh reported.
The match, scheduled to begin at 1 pm at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, was delayed as players from both teams declined to travel to the venue. According to reports, the players decided to meet collectively to determine their next steps.
“The current decision is that the cricketers will unite and go together to the Sheraton Hotel, where a decision will be made. If BCB Director M Nazmul Islam resigns, BPL matches will proceed. Until the board clarifies his status, it is better not to expect any BPL matches,” a Channel 24 Bangladesh reporter said.
The protest follows growing anger among cricketers, with the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) issuing an ultimatum demanding Nazmul Islam’s resignation. The controversy erupted after the BCB director allegedly made derogatory remarks against senior players, including former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal.
Nazmul Islam reportedly labelled Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” after the former skipper called for dialogue to resolve tensions between the Bangladesh and Indian cricket boards, following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the IPL.
Amid uncertainty over Bangladesh’s potential tour of India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Tamim had urged the BCB to prioritise the country’s cricketing interests through constructive dialogue. He made the remarks on January 9 during the trophy-unveiling ceremony of the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament in Dhaka.
Meanwhile, the BCB issued a show-cause notice to Nazmul Islam on Thursday, initiating formal disciplinary proceedings. “A show-cause letter has been issued, and the board member concerned has been asked to submit a written response within 48 hours. Appropriate action will be taken following due process,” the BCB said in a statement.
The standoff has cast serious doubt over the continuation of the ongoing BPL, with players insisting that matches will not resume until the issue is decisively resolved.