Cricketers Hold Firm as BCB Director Nazmul Refuses to Step Down Amid Controversy
Dhaka, Jan 15, 2026: Bangladesh cricket faced fresh uncertainty on Tuesday as Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam did not resign despite an ultimatum issued by cricketers following his controversial remarks about national team players.
More than 12 hours passed after the deadline set by the players, but Nazmul remained in his position. The cricketers have warned that they will suspend participation in all forms of cricket if he does not step down as a director.
The protest has already disrupted domestic competitions. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) afternoon match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express was thrown into doubt, as neither team had reached the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur by match time. In addition, the First Division League was suspended late Monday night following the players’ ultimatum.
Several BCB directors reportedly contacted the protesting players in an attempt to defuse the situation, but the effort failed to change their stance.
Board sources said the BCB proposed removing Nazmul from his responsibilities related to the finance division, but the players rejected the move, insisting that his resignation as a director was the only acceptable solution.
Earlier in the day, around 11:30am, the BCB issued a press release stating that Nazmul had been served a show-cause notice and asked to submit a written explanation within 48 hours. Despite this action, the cricketers remained firm in their demand for his resignation.
The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), along with several senior players, announced plans to hold a press conference in Banani at 1:00pm to explain their position and outline future steps.
The controversy erupted after Nazmul made remarks about players during a BCB-organised doa and milad mahfil held on Monday in memory of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
When asked whether the BCB would consider compensating players for potential financial losses if they chose not to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup, he questioned the return on the board’s financial investment in players.
He further criticised the national team’s international performance, noting that despite significant expenditure, Bangladesh has not won any global awards.
In his comments, he suggested that, based on performance, the board could even consider recovering money spent on players—remarks that sparked strong resentment among cricketers.
Players viewed the comments as disrespectful and dismissive, arguing that such statements undermine their dignity and contributions to the game.
The growing standoff has raised concerns over the stability of domestic cricket and the functioning of the board, with stakeholders closely watching how the situation unfolds.
