Bangladesh cricket has been thrown into chaos ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Amid tensions with India over the global event, a major internal crisis erupted after controversial remarks by a top board official triggered player protests and a boycott threat during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Senior official removed after player backlash

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has removed M Nazmul Islam, Chairman of the Finance Committee, from all responsibilities. He has been suspended from board activities following widespread outrage among players and officials.

The decision came after players threatened to boycott domestic and international cricket if Nazmul Islam did not step down.

What triggered the controversy

Nazmul Islam sparked outrage by claiming that Bangladesh would not suffer financially if it failed to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup—suggesting that only players would lose their match fees.

He reportedly said:

• The board spends heavily on players

• Poor performance should not be rewarded

• Players’ livelihoods depend on the board, not vice versa

These remarks were seen as insulting and dismissive of players’ contributions.

Players take a strong stand

The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh warned that players would refuse to play if Nazmul Islam remained in office. Acting on this threat, players did not report to the stadium on January 15 for scheduled Bangladesh Premier League matches, including Chittagong Royals vs Noakhali Express.

The protest forced the BCB to act swiftly to prevent a complete breakdown of the league.

Previous controversies add fuel

This was not Nazmul Islam’s first brush with controversy. Earlier, he had labeled former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent,” a remark that had already drawn sharp criticism and damaged relations within the cricketing community.

Why this matters ahead of the World Cup

With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, instability within Bangladesh cricket raises serious concerns about team morale and governance. The episode highlights growing friction between players and administrators at a time when unity is crucial.