The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken action amid the ongoing controversy by removing Najmul Islam from his role as Chairman of the Finance Committee. The decision was confirmed through an official media release on Tuesday following a review of recent developments by the BCB President.
Bangladesh cricketers threatened a boycott of domestic cricket after Nazmul Islam made controversial public comments. The board issued a show-cause notice to Nazmul for calling former captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent.” Tamim had urged the BCB against pulling out of the T20 World Cup in India.
Bangladesh Cricket Board Remove Najmul Islam as Finance Committee Chairman
On Thursday, January 15, the BCB announced that Najmul Islam has been removed from his role as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect. The board clarified that the move was made by the BCB President, who will take charge as the Acting Chairman of the Finance Committee.
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“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to inform that, following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB President has decided to release Mr. Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect,” the statement read.
“The decision has been taken in accordance with the authority vested in the BCB President under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution and is aimed at ensuring the continued smooth and effective functioning of the Board’s affairs.”
“Until further notice, the BCB President will assume the role of Acting Chairman of the Finance Committee,” the statement added.
Board Also Urged Players to Continue Participating in the BPL – BCB
The BCB acted a day after the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh announced a complete boycott, demanding Najmul Islam’s resignation. Cricketers did not take the field for Thursday’s opening BPL match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express.
“The Board remains fully committed to upholding the honour and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction,” the release added.
The board also urged players to continue participating in the BPL, describing the current phase as a “challenging period for the game”.
“In this regard, the BCB hopes that all cricketers will continue to display the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to the betterment of Bangladesh cricket, and will do their utmost to ensure continued participation in the Bangladesh Premier League,” it said.
Uncertainty Over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Venues as ICC, BCB Remain Split
The International Cricket Council wants Bangladesh to play their T20 World Cup matches in India, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board continues to push for a neutral venue, preferring Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
With the tournament just over three weeks away, uncertainty remains over the match venues. Bangladesh are scheduled to play three group-stage games in Kolkata against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14), before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.
The BCB raised concerns after the Board of Control for Cricket in India asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman. The board has since written twice to the ICC requesting a change of venue.
Also read: Bangladesh cricket dies a slow death as players revolt amid explosive India-T20 World Cup tensions
