BCB Removes Najmul Islam as Finance Chief Amid Player Revolt
Bangladesh Cricket Board president to act as interim head after controversial remarks spark BPL boycott
GG News Bureau
Dhaka, 16th Jan: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has removed M. Najmul Islam from his role as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect, following intense pressure from national team players and a disruption in domestic cricket tournaments.
The decision was confirmed in an official BCB statement late Thursday after multiple Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches were halted when teams refused to take the field, staging a boycott over controversial comments made by Najmul Islam about players. Two BPL fixtures, including the Chattogram Royals vs. Noakhali Express match, were affected.
Controversy erupted after Najmul Islam reportedly described former captain Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent” in public remarks, drawing widespread condemnation from cricketers and cricket administrators alike. The players’ collective protest and refusal to participate in fixtures escalated the situation, forcing the board’s hand.
In response to the unrest, the BCB had initially issued a show-cause notice and provided Najmul Islam 48 hours to explain his conduct. When the standoff continued and the boycott persisted, the board moved swiftly to remove him from his key administrative post.
Under provisions of the BCB Constitution, the BCB President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, has assumed the role of Acting Chairman of the Finance Committee until further notice. The board’s statement stressed that the decision was aimed at ensuring smooth and effective functioning of its affairs and maintaining professional standards within the sport.
The BCB also reiterated its commitment to upholding the honour and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction and urged cricketers to continue participating in the BPL and other domestic competitions.
This development comes amid broader tensions in Bangladesh cricket, including debates over security concerns related to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 and recent disruptions in the sport’s domestic structure.
