Bangladesh Cricket Crisis: BPL Resumes After Player Boycott and Director’s Apology
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 witnessed dramatic upheaval after senior players staged a boycott in response to controversial comments made by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Najmul Islam, bringing the high-profile T20 tournament to a temporary standstill. What began as routine league action quickly escalated into a major cricketing crisis, exposing underlying tensions within the administration and highlighting the growing assertiveness of players in Bangladesh cricket.
The standoff peaked on Thursday when teams slated to play at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur did not take the field, leading to the postponement of the scheduled BPL match between Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals. The boycott was triggered by a series of incendiary remarks from Najmul Islam, who had earlier publicly criticised players and questioned their value, including comments about remuneration should Bangladesh withdraw from the upcoming T20 World Cup. Players viewed his statements as disrespectful and demeaning, especially after he implied that the board owed them nothing in compensation, a remark that inflamed tensions given the sacrifices players make for national and domestic cricket.
Further compounding the issue were disparaging comments from Najmul about former captain Tamim Iqbal, whom he controversially labelled an “Indian agent” for advocating constructive dialogue with the board. Many cricketers saw these comments as not only unprofessional but also harmful to team unity and morale. In an unprecedented move, players, backed by the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), presented an ultimatum: Najmul must be removed from the board if cricket was to continue.
The BCB rapidly engaged in damage control, initially relieving Najmul Islam of his responsibilities as the Chairman of the Finance Committee, although he technically remains a board director. Amidst mounting pressure and with the BPL hanging in the balance, Najmul offered a public apology, which proved pivotal in defusing the crisis. CWAB representatives accepted the apology, and players agreed to return to action on Friday, bringing an end to the 24-hour disruption that had shaken the tournament and drawn global attention.
In its statement, the BCB emphasised that players’ interests remain its highest priority and appealed for continued professionalism and dedication during the turbulent period. The board also appointed a new interim head of the finance committee to restore stability and reassure players and fans alike.
Though the BPL will now go on as scheduled, the episode has exposed deep cracks in the governance and management of Bangladesh cricket. The willingness of players to collectively take a stand against administrative conduct is seen by many as a watershed moment in the nation’s cricketing history. For supporters, the drama underscores how off-field controversies can quickly overshadow on-field competition. Going forward, the BCB will likely face increased pressure to address structural issues and foster better communication between administrators and players to prevent similar crises in future tournaments.
The standoff peaked on Thursday when teams slated to play at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur did not take the field, leading to the postponement of the scheduled BPL match between Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals. The boycott was triggered by a series of incendiary remarks from Najmul Islam, who had earlier publicly criticised players and questioned their value, including comments about remuneration should Bangladesh withdraw from the upcoming T20 World Cup. Players viewed his statements as disrespectful and demeaning, especially after he implied that the board owed them nothing in compensation, a remark that inflamed tensions given the sacrifices players make for national and domestic cricket.
Further compounding the issue were disparaging comments from Najmul about former captain Tamim Iqbal, whom he controversially labelled an “Indian agent” for advocating constructive dialogue with the board. Many cricketers saw these comments as not only unprofessional but also harmful to team unity and morale. In an unprecedented move, players, backed by the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), presented an ultimatum: Najmul must be removed from the board if cricket was to continue.
The BCB rapidly engaged in damage control, initially relieving Najmul Islam of his responsibilities as the Chairman of the Finance Committee, although he technically remains a board director. Amidst mounting pressure and with the BPL hanging in the balance, Najmul offered a public apology, which proved pivotal in defusing the crisis. CWAB representatives accepted the apology, and players agreed to return to action on Friday, bringing an end to the 24-hour disruption that had shaken the tournament and drawn global attention.
In its statement, the BCB emphasised that players’ interests remain its highest priority and appealed for continued professionalism and dedication during the turbulent period. The board also appointed a new interim head of the finance committee to restore stability and reassure players and fans alike.
Though the BPL will now go on as scheduled, the episode has exposed deep cracks in the governance and management of Bangladesh cricket. The willingness of players to collectively take a stand against administrative conduct is seen by many as a watershed moment in the nation’s cricketing history. For supporters, the drama underscores how off-field controversies can quickly overshadow on-field competition. Going forward, the BCB will likely face increased pressure to address structural issues and foster better communication between administrators and players to prevent similar crises in future tournaments.
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