NEW DELHI: Bangladesh cricket was plunged into fresh turmoil on Thursday after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a special notice to its director M Najmul Islam over controversial remarks against national cricketers, while a player’s threat to boycott matches cast a shadow over the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Go beyond the limits with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The impact was felt immediately as the toss for Thursday’s BPL match between Naokhali Express and Chattogram Royals was delayed as neither team had reportedly arrived at the venue, according to a PTI report. The delay followed a strong signal from players who had warned that they would boycott all cricket unless Najmul resigned from the field.
In a strongly worded press release, the BCB acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and distanced itself from the comments. “The Bangladesh Cricket Board reiterates its regret over the recent offensive comments made by a board member. The BCB recognizes the concern raised by the comments and wishes to reiterate its commitment to professionalism, respect for cricketers and the values that promote the game of cricket,” the statement said.The board confirmed that disciplinary action had already been taken. “A formal process is underway. A letter of evidence has been issued and the person has been directed 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 players’ remuneration should the team withdraw from the tournament. He suggested that the players would not be compensated and questioned whether they had justified the support given to them so far.Bangladesh’s standoff with India has worsened in recent days after the BCCI ordered KKR to drop pacer Mustafizur Rahman citing unspecified “developments”. The BCB has cited security concerns in its refusal to visit India for the T20 World Cup and is apparently in talks with the ICC even as the world body remains reluctant to move Bangladesh’s games to Sri Lanka.While the BCB stressed that Najmul’s behavior would be dealt with through due process, it called on the players to withdraw their boycott threat. “The board firmly believes that the players are the key players and the lifeblood of the BPL and all cricket activities under the board,” it said, expressing hope that the tournament would go ahead smoothly.
