Bangladesh’s professional cricketers have announced a boycott of all forms of cricket until M Nazmul Islam, a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, resigns over controversial remarks aimed at former national captain Tamim Iqbal.
The announcement came from Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh, hours after Nazmul Islam’s comments triggered widespread anger within the cricketing community.
Mithun said Nazmul Islam must step down before the scheduled Bangladesh Premier League matches on Thursday. He warned that players would refuse to take the field if the demand was not met. He described the remarks as an attack on the dignity, professionalism, and respect of Bangladesh’s cricketers.
The boycott immediately disrupted domestic cricket. Matches in the Dhaka Cricket League failed to start on Thursday after the CWAB’s warning took effect.
The first BPL match of the day between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express was also delayed. Neither team arrived for the toss scheduled for 12:30 pm local time, pushing back the planned 1:00 pm start.
The Bangladesh cricket crisis deepens: The first BPL match today – between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express – has been delayed after both teams did not arrive at the venue for the toss
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— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 15, 2026In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board issued an official statement distancing itself from Nazmul Islam’s comments. The board expressed regret over remarks that could be viewed as inappropriate or offensive and stressed that such statements do not reflect its values or official stance.
The BCB clarified that it does not endorse comments from directors unless they are released through authorised channels. It said statements issued outside official platforms represent personal views and should not be linked to board policy.
Read: ICC Rejects Bangladesh’s Request to Move T20 World Cup Matches
The board also warned that it would take disciplinary action against anyone whose conduct disrespects players or damages the integrity of Bangladesh cricket. It reaffirmed its full support for current and former cricketers, stating that players remain central to the sport.
#BreakingNews | Bangladesh players demand BCB director's resignation and threaten to boycott
@Mid_Carder @AnchorAnandN with @ShivaniGupta_5 | #Bangladesh #BCB #Sports pic.twitter.com/ml7IaYfuhQ
— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 15, 2026Nazmul Islam faced strong criticism after accusing Tamim Iqbal of being an “Indian agent” in a Facebook post. CWAB condemned the remark as unacceptable and insulting to the entire cricketing community.
In a statement, the players’ association said the comment shocked and angered cricketers nationwide. It highlighted Tamim Iqbal’s 16 years of service and record as Bangladesh’s most successful opener, calling the accusation deeply disrespectful.
CWAB confirmed that it submitted a formal protest letter to the BCB president, demanding accountability and a public apology. The association also criticised Nazmul for warning that players would receive no financial compensation if they boycotted the World Cup.
Later, Nazmul Islam issued a clarification on Facebook, saying the remarks reflected his personal opinion. He stated that his comments should not be interpreted as the official position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
