Bangladesh cricket crisis: BCB removes Nazmul as head of financial commitee
Despite Nazmul's removal by the BCB, both BPL matches slated for Thursday have been delayed
 "Bangladesh cricket team")
Bangladesh cricket team
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has accepted the demands of Bangladeshi players and the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) by removing Nazmul Islam from his role as chairman of the board’s finance committee with immediate effect. The decision was confirmed through a media release issued on Thursday evening, following a day of escalating tension and player protests.
In its statement, the BCB said the move was taken after reviewing recent developments and in the best interests of the organisation. Acting under the powers granted by Article 31 of the BCB Constitution, the board president has temporarily assumed the role of acting chairman of the finance committee. The BCB reiterated that the welfare and dignity of players remain its highest priority and urged cricketers to continue displaying professionalism and commitment during a challenging phase for Bangladesh cricket.
The announcement came after Bangladesh players boycotted Thursday’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) fixtures and addressed the media, making it clear they would not return to the field unless Nazmul Islam stepped down. CWAB president Mohammad Mithun stated that no middle ground would be accepted and that the protest would continue until the demand was met.
As a result of the boycott, both BPL matches scheduled for Thursday were postponed. The first match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express, and the second between Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans, could not go ahead. Although the BCB’s decision addressed CWAB’s core demand, it came too late in the day to salvage the fixtures, and uncertainty remains over whether the boycott will be lifted in time for Friday’s matches.
The crisis was triggered by comments made by Nazmul Islam earlier in the week, in which he suggested that if Bangladesh were to withdraw from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the financial consequences would be borne by the players and not the board. He also claimed the BCB had spent heavily on players without sufficient returns, remarks that sparked strong backlash and ultimately led to one of the most serious administrative standoffs in recent years.
9:34 PM
India 'shouldn't play Bangladesh' in T20 World Cup!
Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has expressed a firm opinion regarding the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. He believes that when humanitarian issues are at stake, sporting ties should not continue. Reflecting on his past stance, Tiwary cited previous incidents and reiterated his position: "When the Pahalgam terrorist attack happened, I had said that India should not play against Pakistan. Even though the government allowed it, my opinion was, and still is, that such matches should not happen," Tiwary told ANI.
9:06 PM
Bangladesh's T20 WC opening tie as of now...
The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with Bangladesh facing two-time champions West Indies in their opening match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
8:36 PM
What about Bangladesh's T20 WC matches?
On Thursday, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board is "not in the loop" and has no knowledge of any discussions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding BCB's request to move Bangladesh’s ICC T20 World Cup matches outside India or the ICC’s position on the issue.
7:56 PM
BPL crisis continues?
According to the latest media reports, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is set to suspend the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2025–26 season indefinitely amid escalating cricketing and political unrest in the country. Multiple Bangladeshi outlets have indicated that the players’ boycott remains unresolved, with cricketers continuing to refuse participation.
Reports suggest that the BCB has reached an internal consensus on halting the tournament, and formal communication to all participating franchises is expected shortly. While an official announcement is still awaited, the prevailing situation has left the board with limited options, making an indefinite suspension increasingly likely unless there is a sudden breakthrough in talks with the players.
6:55 PM
No reaction from players or CWAB
Despite removal of Nazmul as head of financial committee head, there has been no reaction for CWAB or the players.
6:01 PM
Focus remains on T20 World Cup participation call
With BCB now accepting players demands to remove Nazmul Islam from finance committee head post. The focus now shifts to BCB's call on participation in ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as in the morning the players were clear that they want to play in ICC events.
5:20 PM
BPL matches still on hold
Both Bangladesh Premier League matches scheduled for Thursday were postponed due to the ongoing player boycott. The opening game between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express, followed by the clash between Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans, could not go ahead. Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board removed Nazmul Islam from the finance committee after accepting Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh demands, the decision came too late to save Thursday’s fixtures. Uncertainty remains over Friday’s matches.
5:16 PM
Nazmul removed from BCB financial commitee head post
The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced that Nazmul Islam has been relieved of his duties as chairman of the finance committee with immediate effect after reviewing recent developments. The decision was taken by the BCB president under Article 31 of the board’s constitution, who will now act as interim finance chief. The board reiterated that players’ interests remain its priority and urged cricketers to maintain professionalism and continue participating in the Bangladesh Premier League.
4:38 PM
What prompted CWAB and Bangladesh players to protest against the BCB?
Bangladesh cricket was rocked by controversy after BCB finance committee chief Nazmul Islam said players would bear the financial consequences if the team withdrew from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, with no compensation from the board. The remarks triggered strong backlash from the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh, led by Mohammad Mithun, who demanded Nazmul’s resignation within 48 hours. Players boycotted a Bangladesh Premier League match in protest, though a final call on World Cup participation will be taken later.
2:46 PM
Bangladesh cricket news LIVE UPDATES: PC concludes
The press conference have comncluded as players and CWAB are firm that if Nazmul does not resign inside 48 hours they will boycott all cricketing actions and the responsibilty will fall on BCB. On T20 WC participation Mithun said we still have time and will address that in due time.
2:43 PM
Bangladesh cricket news LIVE UPDATES: BPL match cancelled
Mithun says the BCB has asked for more time, but CWAB remains firm that the 48-hour ultimatum stands. He confirms the first BPL match scheduled for today has been cancelled, with uncertainty over whether the second match will go ahead.
2:38 PM
Bangladesh cricket news LIVE UPDATES: No update regarding T20 WC participation
While questions around BCB have be asked no updates around Bangldesh players stand on T20 WC participation have been provided in the presser so far.
2:35 PM
Bangladesh cricket news LIVE UPDATES: BCB just taking time
Mithun says CWAB has been in constant talks with the BCB but claims no action has been taken, with all issues being delayed, leaving the players with no option but to come forward publicly.
2:30 PM
Bangladesh cricket news LIVE UPDATES: On Mustafizur row
Mithun says the World Cricketers’ Association informed CWAB that action could be taken against KKR based on Mustafizur Rahman’s choice, but the pacer did not wish to pursue the matter further, leading to the protest being dropped.
2:27 PM
Bangladesh cricket news LIVE UPDATES: Straight shot at Nazmul
Mithun says Nazmul is not fit to be the face of Bangladesh cricket, asking why disciplinary action can be taken against players but not against board members.
Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel
First Published: Jan 15 2026 | 12:51 PM IST