NEW DELHI: Bangladesh cricket was plunged into fresh turmoil on Thursday after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a show-cause notice to its director M Najmul Islam over controversial remarks targeting national cricketers, even as a players’ threat to boycott matches cast a shadow over the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The impact was felt immediately, with the toss for Thursday’s BPL match between Naokhali Express and Chattogram Royals delayed amid reports that neither team had arrived at the venue, as per a PTI report. The delay followed a strong signal from players, who have warned they will boycott all cricket unless Najmul steps down from the board.
In a strongly worded press release, the BCB acknowledged the gravity of the situation and distanced itself from the comments. “The Bangladesh Cricket Board reiterates its regret over the recent objectionable comments made by a member of the Board. The BCB acknowledges the concern caused by the remarks and wishes to reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, respect for cricketers and the values that nurture the game of cricket,” the statement said.The board confirmed that disciplinary action had already been initiated. “Formal proceedings are underway. A show-cause letter has been issued, and the individual has been instructed to submit a written response within 48 hours,” the BCB added.
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The controversy erupted after Najmul, while reiterating Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup, dismissed concerns over player remuneration should the team withdraw from the tournament. He suggested that players would not be compensated, questioning whether they had justified the support extended to them so far.Bangladesh’s standoff with India has intensified in recent days after the BCCI instructed KKR to drop pacer Mustafizur Rahman citing unspecified “developments”. The BCB has cited security concerns in its refusal to tour India for the T20 World Cup and is understood to be in talks with the ICC, even as the world body remains reluctant to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.While stressing that Najmul’s conduct would be addressed through due process, the BCB urged players to withdraw their boycott threat. “The Board firmly believes that the players are the main stakeholders and the lifeblood of the BPL and all cricketing activities under the Board,” it said, expressing hope that the tournament would continue smoothly.
