 "Bangladesh cricket on brink of shutdown as players threaten full boycott after BCB director’s ‘return the crores’ attack")
Bangladesh cricketers have threatened to boycott all forms of cricket after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam, who recently called former opener Tamim Iqbal an 'Indian agent', slammed the players for their recent poor performances and said that they should return the “crores and crores of taka” that the board spends on them.
Nazmul Islam’s scornful comments came on Wednesday on the sidelines of a BCB prayer meeting for former prime minister Khaled Zia. Nazmul Islam was asked who would bear the burden of the financial loss if Bangladesh boycotts the T20 World Cup in India in case the ICC refuses to change the venue.
Nazmul Islam slams Bangladesh players
In reply, the BCB director criticised the Bangladesh players, highlighting their poor performance and stating that there would be no compensation for them. “Why [would there be]? Are we asking them for the crores and crores of taka that we are spending on them? Answer me first,” Nazmul Islam said.
“We are spending so much money on them, they are not being able to do anything in different places. Have we got any international awards? What have we done at any level? Let us now ask them for the money back after every time they couldn’t play. Give us back. Why should there even be a question of compensating the players?”
This has not gone down well with Bangladesh players, who have threatened to boycott all forms of matches, including the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Bangladesh cricketers threaten full boycott
Mohammad Mithun, the president of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), issued the boycott threat on behalf of the players hours after Nazmul Islam’s comments.
“The remark made by the BCB director has hurt the cricket fraternity greatly and it’s not acceptable,” Mithun said on Wednesday evening. “We demand his resignation. If he doesn’t resign before tomorrow’s match, we will announce a boycott of all cricket, starting from the BPL matches tomorrow (Thursday).”
The BCB has since distanced itself from Nazmul Islam’s comments, stating in a media release that action would be taken against any individual whose comments “show disrespect towards cricketers or cause harm to the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket.”
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View All“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,” BCB said.
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 authorised channels are personal in nature and should not be interpreted as representing the views or policies of the Board.
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."
While BCB has denounced Nazmul Islam’s comments, it will be interesting if he is removed from his position. The players’ association has demanded his negotiation. Two BPL matches are scheduled for Thursday (16 January) and things will become clear by afternoon. It has been reported that captains of all BPL teams are in support of a boycott.
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