BCB Removes its Director Najmul Islam From Key Post After Players Revolt

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board was forced to sack finance committee chairman Najmul Islam on Thursday after senior players of the national team revolted against him for making derogatory comments against them.

The toss in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match played between Naokhali Express and Chattogram Royals on Thursday was postponed as both teams did not come to the field and the players of both teams were united in their demand for Najmul’s immediate removal.

Under pressure from players and the public, the BCB was forced to take action and suspended Najmul as chairman of the board’s finance committee. It is unclear whether he will remain as BCB director.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to inform that after reviewing recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB Chairman has decided to discharge Mr. Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as the Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect,” BCB said in a statement. he said.

“Until further notice, the BCB Chairman will assume the role of Deputy Chairman of the Finance Committee. The BCB reiterates that the interests of cricketers are of the highest priority. The Board is fully committed to safeguarding the honor and reputation of all players under its jurisdiction.” he added.

The outrage began after Najmul reiterated Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup due to “security concerns”, while dismissing concerns about players’ pay if the country withdraws.

He stated that players who have failed to win a single ICC event will not be compensated as they have not justified the support so far. This statement caused outrage, with the CWAB calling for his immediate expulsion from the BCB.

BCB had also featured Najmul.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reiterates its regret over the objectionable comments made recently by a Board member.

“BCB acknowledges the concern caused by the remarks and wishes to reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, respect for cricketers and the values ​​that fuel the game of cricket,” BCB said in a press release earlier on Thursday. he said.

“…The Board has already initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against the Board member concerned. A letter of reasons has been issued and the individual has been instructed to submit a written response within 48 hours,” he added.

Bangladesh are refusing to tour India, citing security concerns after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the IPL on the BCCI’s orders of “unspecified developments everywhere”.

The BCB is still in talks with the ICC to find a way out after the world body was reluctant to shift Bangladesh’s four matches in India to Sri Lanka.

Najmul had earlier described former captain Tamim Iqbal as “India’s agent” after calling for a measured handling of the standoff with India and warned that decisions taken today would impact 10 years from now.

CWAB condemned this statement of Najmul.

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also called for a pragmatic approach and also revealed that the players are under immense stress due to the current conditions.

“We discussed many issues with BCB but could not get a solution. We are desperate now. Cricketers play the game with pride. We told him to apologize but he became even more desperate. He cannot make such a comment.

“It takes a long time to resolve the issues regarding the women’s team. Without evidence, nine players have been removed from the BPL due to allegations of corruption in the BPL.

“There are fewer facilities for women players,” CWAB president Mohammad Mithun said before action was taken against Najmul.

Veteran player Mehidy Hasan Miraz said: “We always say that the cricket board is our protector. But it is really disappointing to hear something like this from someone. The cricket board is managed by the ICC and has sponsor revenues. We pay the highest tax at 25-30 percent.”

Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and current T20 skipper Litton Das also expressed their views on the controversial issue.

“As a player, male or female, they need to be paid better. We have good money and BCB needs to use it properly,” Litton said.

“We always say about gender equality and that women should feel safe. I think the issue should have been resolved as soon as possible, but the dates are delayed.

“The women’s team has also achieved some serious success. We want to solve the problem as early as possible,” Shanto said.