Bangladesh cricketers launch boycott over T20 World Cup financial row with BCB director removed

Bangladesh cricketers have begun a boycott of all forms of cricket in response to comments made by the director of the National Cricket Board, which led to his dismissal.

Thursday’s two matches in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) have been postponed, while the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup in February is in doubt.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that it has removed Nazmul Islam from his position as head of its finance committee after he suggested players should bear the financial burden if Bangladesh withdraws from the World Cup.

These comments came amid political tensions between Bangladesh and the host country, India.

The Bangladesh Central Bank has officially requested that all of Bangladesh’s matches be played elsewhere in order to participate in the tournament.

All Pakistani matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, with the Central Bank of Pakistan seeking a similar arrangement.

Asked about the financial consequences if Bangladesh was asked to withdraw, Islam said: “Why [would there be]? Do we ask them for Crores and Crores of Taka? [Bangladesh’s currency] Who do we spend on? Answer me first.

“We spend a lot of money on them, and they are not able to do anything in different places. Have we won any international awards? What have we done at what level?”

“Let’s now ask them to get the money back after every time they couldn’t play. Give us the money back. Why should there be a question of compensating the players?”

A Bangladeshi crore is equivalent to just over £60,000.

Islam’s comments received a quick response from Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB).

“The statement made by the BCB director has hurt the cricket fraternity greatly and is unacceptable,” Mithun told reporters on Wednesday evening.

“We demand his resignation. If he does not resign before tomorrow’s match, we will announce a boycott of all cricket matches, starting with the Premier League matches tomorrow.”

Neither team made it to Thursday’s match between Chattogram Royals and Nokhali Express, with that match and the subsequent match between Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans confirmed to be postponed.

In removing Islam from his post, the Central Bank of Bangladesh said: “After reviewing the recent developments and in the interest of the organisation, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to relieve Mr Najmul Islam of his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect.

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

She said all cricketers must “demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to improve Bangladesh cricket during a difficult period for the game” and called for the Super League matches to be played as planned.

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup campaign is scheduled to begin on Saturday, February 7 against the West Indies in Kolkata, with a match against England on Saturday, February 14 scheduled to be played at the same venue, Eden Gardens.

The Bangladesh Premier League still has six group stage matches remaining, leading to a four-match knockout stage, ending with the final in Dhaka on Friday, January 23.