Overview:
Bangladesh is not ready to send the national team to the T20 World Cup matches in India after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has sacked director M Najmul Islam from all posts, including as chairman of the finance committee, with immediate effect, following the revolt of the players. The decision was taken by BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul to end the deadlock, saying it was done in the best interest of the organisation.
The BCB president will now take up the additional responsibility of the finance committee. “Following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB president has decided to release Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as chairman of the finance committee with immediate effect,” a media release by BCB informed.
The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) had warned of the boycott of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches if Najmul didn’t resign. The players of the two franchises, Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals, refused to travel to the stadium for their BPL game.
Najmul was also slammed for calling former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal an Indian agent, leading to backlash from the current and former players.
“The interest of the cricketers is our top priority. We are committed to upholding the dignity of all players. The BCB hopes that all cricketers will continue to honour the commitments and maintain the standards of professionalism for the betterment of cricket in Bangladesh. We hope players will continue to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL),” the statement added.
Earlier, CWAB president Mohammad Mithun hit out at Najmul for his remarks.
“There is a limit to everything. He has crossed the limit and is questioning the cricket fraternity. He has insulted everyone and disregarded every sector. The World Cup means nothing to him. I haven’t seen any respect for cricket in his statements,” Mithun said.
Najmul had said that Bangladesh players will not get any compensation if the country boycotts the T20 World Cup. He mentioned that if players demand financial remuneration, the board should also ask for money spent on the players despite their failures.
Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz condemned the comments, saying that the board gets the revenue because the players compete in the tournaments and represent the country.
Bangladesh is not ready to send the national team to the T20 World Cup matches in India after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders on the instructions of the BCCI. BCB has urged the ICC to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka.