BCB removes Nazmul Islam from finance role after player protest stalls domestic cricket

After a tense day in local cricket, the Bangladesh Cricket Board relieved the services of Nazmul Islam as the chairman of the finance committee. Players launched a boycott across domestic competitions, and two matches of the Bangladesh Premier League and four matches of the Dhaka Cricket League were called off on Thursday as a result.

Matches Halted As Players Take A Stand

The boycott came after formal complaints were raised against Nazmul Islam over his remarks against national players by the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh. Before the toss, the teams would walk off, bringing play for the day to a halt.

The matter was enhanced when the boycott extended to two BPL matches that were involved and as a result, the BCB had to respond promptly to address the crisis.

BCB Responds With Immediate Action

The board had previously sent a show-cause notice to Nazmul Islam, giving him 48 hours to respond after the Dhaka Cricket League fixtures were disrupted. After the boycott was extended to the BPL, the BCB removed him from the role.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, the board said:

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to inform that, following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB President has decided to release Mr. Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect."

The statement added that the decision was taken under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution, with the BCB President assuming the role of acting finance committee chairman, while reiterating that "the interests of the cricketers remain its highest priority."

Players Explain Their Position

Before the announcement, CWAB president Mohammad Mithun addressed the media in Dhaka. "It is a matter of a cricketer's pride and self-respect,"  said Mithun. 

"It is not about cricketers only, but related to all those people involved in cricket. They have been disrespected," he added. 

Mithun also noted the players’ frustration with the process, saying,

"The discussion among the players has been that since yesterday night, we have been told 'procedure, procedure, procedure' at every step."

It remains unclear whether Friday’s matches will go ahead, despite the removal.