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The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was thrown into uncertainty on Thursday after the scheduled match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express was delayed, with neither team arriving at the venue following a nationwide boycott called by the country’s cricketers.
The disruption comes after the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) urged players to withdraw from all forms of cricket until Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director and finance committee chairman M. Najmul Islam tenders his resignation.
The protest is in response to what players described as “humiliating and objectionable” public remarks made by Najmul earlier this week.
The notice of delay was issued a couple of hours before the day’s BPL fixture was due to begin at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The impact of the boycott was felt beyond the franchise league, with all four first-division Dhaka Cricket League matches scheduled for Thursday morning also failing to get underway, raising serious concerns within the BCB.
CWAB had earlier issued an ultimatum, making it clear that players would not take the field for the BPL clash unless Najmul stepped down.
After a meeting between BCB officials and player representatives ended without a breakthrough, the players’ body held an impromptu press conference at a city hotel at 1:00pm local time, reiterating its stance and confirming the continuation of the boycott.
The BCB, meanwhile, announced that it has initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against Najmul.
In an official statement, the board distanced itself from the comments made by its director and expressed regret over the controversy.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board reiterates its regret over the recent objectionable comments made by a Board member. We acknowledge the concern caused by the remarks and reaffirm our commitment to professionalism, respect for cricketers, and the values that uphold the game,” the statement read.
The board added that due process would be followed in addressing the matter.
“As a constitutional body, the BCB is duty-bound to address such matters according to established rules and professional guidelines,” the statement added.
“Formal disciplinary proceedings have been initiated, a show-cause letter issued, and the individual instructed to submit a written response within 48 hours. Appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of these proceedings.”
Emphasising the significance of the ongoing tournament, the BCB underlined that players remain central to the success of the league.
“The Bangladesh Premier League T20 2026 is in its final phase and remains the country’s most popular and globally recognised domestic franchise competition. The Board firmly believes that players are the main stakeholders and the lifeblood of all cricketing activities under the BCB.”
The controversy stems from comments made by Najmul on the sidelines of a board prayer meeting for the late former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Addressing questions about the financial implications if Bangladesh were to miss matches at the upcoming T20 World Cup, Najmul suggested that the board would not suffer financially, adding that players would receive no compensation if they missed out.
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