The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has finally released a statement after their director, M. Nazmul Islam, caused a huge controversy with unwanted comments on the Bangladeshi team players.
Interestingly, Islam had also called veteran Bangladeshi cricketer Tamim Iqbal an ‘Indian agent’ after he had shared his views on the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 controversy between India and Bangladesh, which also involves the ICC.
Ever since Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from KKR’s IPL 2026 squad on instructions of the BCCI, a tussle has begun between the two boards.
Citing it as an insult to their player and the board, the BCB have refused to play their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, concerned over the security of their players, and have written to the ICC multiple times to change the venue to either Sri Lanka or Pakistan.
Notably, India and Sri Lanka are joint hosts of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and Bangladesh has to play four group stage games in India—three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
Speaking on the same issue, Tamim Iqbal had advocated dialogue between Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the BCCI over the T20 World Cup venue row.
In response to Tamim's skepticism about the BCB's drive to shift T20 World Cup 2026 fixtures from India to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Cricket Board director and finance committee chairperson Najmul Islam publicly dubbed the senior cricketer an "Indian agent."
The original post, written in Bengali, was even more direct in its accusation. It stated: "Eibar aaro ekjon porikkhito Bharatiya dalaal er aatyoprokash Banglar jonogon duchokh bhore dekhlo (This time, Bangladesh has witnessed the self-expression of a proven Indian agent)."
Then on Wednesday, Nazmul said the Bangladesh Board would not lose much if its cricket team did not play the T20 World Cup. He stated that it will be the Bangladesh players who will lose out on match fees, Player of the Match money, and other performance-based rewards.
"The board has no profit or loss here. Whether Bangladesh plays here or not, there is no profit or loss for the board—at least for this World Cup,” Najmul told reporters on Wednesday.
“If players play, they earn match fees and can receive man-of-the-match awards or performance-based payments as per ICC rules. That is the players’ entitlement and has no direct connection with the board. If players fail to perform after the board has spent crores of taka on them, do we ask for that money back? No. So why look at it from only one side? If there is no board, how will players exist? You cannot separate one from the other. They are inseparable parts of the same system,” he added.
Reacting to the statement by the BCB official, Bangladesh's cricketers have threatened to boycott all forms of cricket unless BCB head M Nazmul Islam resigns, following his scathing remarks about them on Wednesday.
Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), made the declaration hours after Nazmul Islam addressed the media.
Now, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reacted strongly after their official's statement. It has distanced itself from Islam's comments.
"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to address recent comments made by a member of the Board that have generated concern. The Board expresses its sincere regret for remarks that may be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or hurtful. Such comments do not reflect the values, principles, or official position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, nor do they align with the standards of conduct expected from individuals entrusted with the responsibility of serving Bangladesh cricket," it said in a statement.
"The BCB reiterates that it does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement or remark made by any director or board member unless issued formally through the board's designated spokesperson or the Media & Communications Department. Any statements made outside these authorized channels are personal in nature and should not be interpreted as representing the views or policies of the Board,” it added.
BCB also warned of "appropriate disciplinary action."
"The Bangladesh Cricket Board also makes it clear that it will take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual whose conduct or comments show disrespect towards cricketers or cause harm to the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket," it said.
"The Board unequivocally reaffirms its full support for and respect towards all cricketers, past and present, who have represented the country with dedication and pride. Players remain at the heart of Bangladesh cricket, and their contributions and welfare continue to be a top priority. The BCB remains committed to protecting the interests, dignity, and well-being of its players and to upholding professionalism, accountability, and mutual respect across all levels of the game,” the statement read.
(PTI inputs)
