BCB Removes M Nazmul Islam From Post Following Players' Nationwide Boycott Call
BCB relieves M Nazmul Islam of Finance Committee duties after backlash over remarks on Tamim Iqbal and players' boycott threat.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday removed senior official M. Nazmul Islam from his role as head of the Finance Committee following mounting pressure from players and widespread backlash over his controversial remarks amid the ongoing T20 World Cup venue dispute involving India. The decision comes after a call for a nationwide boycott by Bangladesh’s cricketers intensified the crisis within the board.
Nazmul Islam had drawn sharp criticism for publicly referring to former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent” after Tamim advocated dialogue between Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to resolve the venue-related row. The comments were widely condemned by players, former cricketers, and fans, who viewed them as inappropriate and damaging to the sport’s integrity.
The situation escalated further when the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) announced a boycott of all domestic cricket matches, demanding accountability and action against the official. In response, the BCB convened an emergency online meeting on Thursday, during which it was decided to relieve Nazmul Islam of his duties with immediate effect.
Also Read: BCB Condemns Own Director's "Indian Agent" Remark on Tamim Iqbal, Vows Discipline
In an official statement, the BCB confirmed the move, stating that the decision was taken in the interest of maintaining harmony within Bangladesh cricket and restoring confidence among players. While the board did not elaborate extensively on the deliberations, it acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and the need to address player concerns promptly.
The episode has highlighted deeper tensions between players and administrators within Bangladesh cricket, particularly at a time when the national team is navigating sensitive issues related to the T20 World Cup. Observers believe the board’s swift action may help defuse the immediate standoff, though questions remain about governance, communication, and trust between stakeholders.
As Bangladesh continues preparations for major international commitments, the focus is now on stabilizing the internal environment and ensuring that administrative controversies do not distract from on-field performance. How the BCB rebuilds relations with players in the aftermath of this episode will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
Also Read: BCB Condemns Own Director's "Indian Agent" Remark on Tamim Iqbal, Vows Discipline
