TheBangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)on Thursday sacked directorM Najmul Islam, relieving him of all duties including his role as chairman of the finance committee, following mounting pressure from Bangladesh’s cricketers and the threat of a boycott of theBangladesh Premier League (BPL).
The decision was taken by BCB presidentAminul Islam Bulbul, who said the move was made in the “best interest of the organisation” to ensure the smooth functioning of Bangladesh cricket. Until further notice, the BCB president will serve as the acting chairman of the finance committee.
“Following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB president has decided to release Najmul Islam from his responsibilities with immediate effect,” the board said in an official statement.
The sacking came a day after theCricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB)issued a firm ultimatum, warning that players would boycott the BPL if Najmul did not step down before the tournament opener on January 14. The opening match betweenNoakhali Express and Chattogram Royalshad been under threat amid the standoff.
Najmul Islam had come under intense criticism for a series of controversial remarks, including labelling former Bangladesh captainTamim Iqbalan “Indian agent,” comments that drew widespread condemnation from players and stakeholders across the cricketing community.
Earlier, Najmul had also sparked outrage by claiming that Bangladesh players would not be compensated if the team boycotted the upcomingT20 World Cup, and controversially suggested that the board should be able to reclaim money from players if they failed to perform on the field. Those remarks were seen as the tipping point that united players against him.
CWAB presidentMohammad Mithunstrongly criticised Najmul at a press conference, saying his statements showed a complete lack of respect for Bangladesh cricket and its achievements. Bangladesh all-rounderMehidy Hasan Mirazalso slammed the comments, stating that the board’s revenue exists only because players represent the country and compete in international tournaments.
The BCB, in its statement, reiterated that players remain its top priority and urged them to continue showing professionalism and commitment during a challenging phase for the sport in the country.
The episode unfolds amid wider uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the upcomingT20 World Cup, after the BCB said the team would not travel to India and requested that its matches be moved to a neutral venue following the exclusion ofMustafizur Rahmanfrom the IPL. With less than a month to go before the tournament, discussions with theICCare ongoing.
By removing Najmul Islam, the BCB has moved to defuse a crisis that threatened to derail domestic cricket and further destabilise Bangladesh’s international commitments.
