NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Wednesday sought to distance itself from comments made by its director Najmul Islam, which questioned the commitment of national cricketers and sparked strong reactions from former players.
The controversy began after Najmul suggested that some players had failed to live up to the backing and resources invested in them by the board.
The remarks were widely seen as “disrespectful” towards those representing the country.
The comments triggered sharp criticism on social media, with several former Bangladesh internationals voicing their disappointment and urging board officials to show greater responsibility and sensitivity.
BCB responds to backlash
Following the backlash, the BCB released a statement expressing regret over remarks that may have been perceived as inappropriate or hurtful, while clarifying that such views do not reflect the board’s values or official stance.
“The BCB does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement unless it is formally issued through the board's designated spokesperson or the Media and Communications Department,” the Board said, adding that comments made outside authorised channels are personal in nature.
It is learnt that a section of players had even threatened to boycott Thursday’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match if the board failed to take a clear stand on the issue and safeguard the players’ honour.
The BCB also warned that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against anyone whose conduct or comments show disrespect towards cricketers or damage the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket.
Reiterating its support, the board said it holds all past and present players in the highest regard.
“Players remain at the heart of Bangladesh cricket, and their contributions and welfare continue to be a top priority,” the statement said, underlining the BCB’s commitment to accountability and mutual respect at every level of the game.
Fallout from Najmul’s remarks
Najmul had last week described former captain Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent” after the Bangladesh great advised the BCB not to be driven by emotion while deciding the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India.
Bangladesh have since refused to travel to India citing security concerns after the BCCI instructed an IPL franchise to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 roster amid strained relations between the two countries. While the International Cricket Council remains reluctant to move Bangladesh’s matches out of India, the BCB has stayed firm on its position.
Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful said public criticism of players by administrators only harms the team environment.
“Issues should be handled internally. Such remarks demoralise players and damage the image of Bangladesh cricket,” he said in a social media post.
The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) said it was “stunned, shocked and outraged” by Najmul’s rant against Tamim, calling it “utterly condemnable” to label a former national team captain — who served the country for 16 years — in such a manner.
(With PTI Inputs)
Storm erupts in Bangladesh cricket as Board distances itself from Director’s comments
NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Wednesday sought to distance itself from comments made by its director Najmul Islam, which questioned the commitment of national cricketers and sparked strong reactions from former players.
The controversy began after Najmul suggested that some players had failed to live up to the backing and resources invested in them by the board.
The remarks were widely seen as “disrespectful” towards those representing the country.
The comments triggered sharp criticism on social media, with several former Bangladesh internationals voicing their disappointment and urging board officials to show greater responsibility and sensitivity.
BCB responds to backlash
Following the backlash, the BCB released a statement expressing regret over remarks that may have been perceived as inappropriate or hurtful, while clarifying that such views do not reflect the board’s values or official stance.
“The BCB does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement unless it is formally issued through the board's designated spokesperson or the Media and Communications Department,” the Board said, adding that comments made outside authorised channels are personal in nature.
It is learnt that a section of players had even threatened to boycott Thursday’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match if the board failed to take a clear stand on the issue and safeguard the players’ honour.
The BCB also warned that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against anyone whose conduct or comments show disrespect towards cricketers or damage the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket.
Reiterating its support, the board said it holds all past and present players in the highest regard.
“Players remain at the heart of Bangladesh cricket, and their contributions and welfare continue to be a top priority,” the statement said, underlining the BCB’s commitment to accountability and mutual respect at every level of the game.
Fallout from Najmul’s remarks
Najmul had last week described former captain Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent” after the Bangladesh great advised the BCB not to be driven by emotion while deciding the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India.
Bangladesh have since refused to travel to India citing security concerns after the BCCI instructed an IPL franchise to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 roster amid strained relations between the two countries. While the International Cricket Council remains reluctant to move Bangladesh’s matches out of India, the BCB has stayed firm on its position.
Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful said public criticism of players by administrators only harms the team environment.
“Issues should be handled internally. Such remarks demoralise players and damage the image of Bangladesh cricket,” he said in a social media post.
The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) said it was “stunned, shocked and outraged” by Najmul’s rant against Tamim, calling it “utterly condemnable” to label a former national team captain — who served the country for 16 years — in such a manner.
(With PTI Inputs)