![Najmul Islam have stopped responding to calls [Source: @RayhamUnplugged/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768553370724_NajmulIslamhavestoppedrespondingtocalls.jpg?type=hq)
Najmul Islam have stopped responding to calls [Source: @RayhamUnplugged/X]
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has been going through one of the most tumultuous periods in its governance after Bangladesh Premier League players led a historic boycott demanding the removal of Nazmul Islam, the chairman of the BCB’s Finance Committee.
While the players’ outrage proved devastating for the board on both cricketing and professional fronts, Nazmul Islam further fueled the crisis with several controversial public statements related to the ongoing Bangladesh–India venue tussle for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Why did Bangladesh players revolt against Najmul Islam?
Notably, the players’ revolt escalated after Nazmul Islam referred to legendary Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal as an Indian agent in a Facebook post.
This came after Iqbal claimed that players have nothing to do with politics and could eventually take part in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India regardless of geopolitical tensions, provided the cricket board did not intervene. Dismissing Iqbal’s stance, Islam stated that participating in World Cups only benefits players financially and does nothing to help the BCB.
As tensions escalated on January 14, Bangladesh cricketers, led by the Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and its president Mohammad Mithun, expressed deep offense over Islam’s remarks.
In response, players participating in the Bangladesh Premier League issued an ultimatum, warning that they would boycott all cricketing activities if Nazmul Islam did not step down from his role.
BCB sacks Najmul Islam from his post
On January 15, the threat turned into reality when players from Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals refused to take the field for their scheduled match in Mirpur.
This forced the BCB into immediate action, leading to a complete shutdown of the league. An emergency meeting was held later that day, following which Nazmul Islam was officially removed from his position as chairman of the Finance Committee.
However, the drama has not ended there. Even after Islam’s removal from his finance role, players have continued their protest, now demanding a public apology from the former BCB officeholder. They have also called for the public removal of a board director before committing to a full return to the field.
CWAB president gives update on Najmul's condition
The situation has remained tense, especially after CWAB president Mohammad Mithun, who recently took charge of the association, spoke to Cricbuzz and described the matter involving Nazmul Islam as highly sensitive.
Mithun revealed that Islam is currently not responding to any calls, despite the board having sent him a formal letter.
“They said they haven't been able to reach Nazmul Bhai. He's not picking up anyone's phone. They've sent him a letter; if he doesn't reply within two days, they already have a committee formed. They've started the process and will implement it as early as possible,” Mithun said.
BPL and Bangladesh in crisis
The public outrage appears to have stemmed largely from Islam’s remarks, particularly his decision to label a national icon like Tamim Iqbal as an Indian agent.
Players reportedly viewed this as a direct attack on their integrity and patriotism. Additionally, his comments suggesting that cricketers are motivated only by money further aggravated the situation and hurt the sentiments of the playing community.
With the crisis still unresolved, the Bangladesh Premier League remains temporarily suspended, while committees are yet to be formally constituted to fill the leadership vacuum left by Nazmul Islam’s removal.
