Bangladesh Cricket in Turmoil as Players Threaten Boycott Over Controversial Remarks

Bangladeshi cricketers threatened to boycott all cricket unless BCB director M Najmul Islam resigns, due to his disparaging remarks. Players from Chittagong Royals and Noakhali Express refused to play their BPL match. The crisis highlights issues within the BCB, sparking calls for Islam's resignation.

The cricket community in Bangladesh is in turmoil following threats from players to boycott all matches unless Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Najmul Islam resigns over controversial remarks. The protest intensified as Chittagong Royals and Noakhali Express players refused to participate in their scheduled Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match on Thursday.

Scheduled to play at Dhaka's Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at 1 p.m., players demanded Islam's resignation. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, speaking at a press conference, condemned Islam's comments, emphasizing the importance of cricket revenue from the ICC and sponsors, labeling the remarks as disgraceful to the cricket community.

Highlighting taxation issues, Hasan revealed players contribute significantly to government revenue, countering misconceptions that the government financially supports them. The crisis has brought attention to perceived injustices in the cricketing administration, prompting the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) to issue an ultimatum to the BCB seeking Islam's resignation.

(With inputs from agencies.)