Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), acting amid the ongoing controversy, has removed Nazmul Islam from the post of chairman of the finance committee. The decision was confirmed through an official media release on Tuesday after the BCB President reviewed the recent developments.
Bangladesh cricketers threatened to boycott 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 requested BCB to withdraw from the T20 World Cup in India.
Bangladesh Cricket Board removed Nazmul Islam from the post of finance committee chairman.
On Thursday, 15 January, the BCB announced that Nazmul 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 over as the acting chairman of the finance committee.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to inform that after reviewing the recent developments and in the best interest of the organization, the BCB President has decided to relieve Mr. Nazmul Islam of his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect,” the statement said.
“This 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 affairs of the Board.”
“Until further notice, the BCB President will assume the role of acting Chairman of the Finance Committee,” the statement said.
The board also urged players to continue participating in the BPL – BCB
The BCB action came a day after the Bangladesh Cricketers’ Welfare Association announced a complete boycott demanding the resignation of Nazmul Islam. The cricketers did not take the field for the opening match of BPL between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express on Thursday.
“The Board is fully committed to maintaining the honor and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction,” the release said.
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 demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to the betterment of Bangladesh cricket, and will do their best to ensure continued participation in the Bangladesh Premier League.”
Uncertainty over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup venues, ICC and BCB to remain separate
The International Cricket Council wants Bangladesh to play its T20 World Cup matches in India, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board is insisting on a neutral venue, preferring Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
With just over three weeks left in the tournament, there remains uncertainty regarding the match venue. Bangladesh have three group-stage matches against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9) and England (February 14) in Kolkata, before traveling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.
BCB expressed concern after the Board of Control for Cricket in India asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. After this, the board has written letters to ICC twice requesting a change in the venue.
Also read: Slow death of Bangladesh cricket, players revolt amid explosive tension between India-T20 World Cup