The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Thursday removed Najmul Islam from all responsibilities. This removal includes his role as chairman of the finance committee. It followed sustained pressure from Bangladesh’s cricketers.
The decision was made by BCB President Mohammad Aminul Islam under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution. In an official press release, the board said the move aims to ensure smooth and effective governance. This is especially important during a sensitive period.
According to the statement, the BCB president will serve as acting chairman of the Finance Committee until further notice. Furthermore, the board stressed that protecting players’ interests remains its top priority. It also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and respect of all cricketers.
The BCB also urged players to maintain professionalism and continue their participation in the Bangladesh Premier League. Importantly, they should do this despite the ongoing controversy.
BCB removes its director Najmul Islam from key post after players revolt https://t.co/QEUw9j10vG
— The Tribune (@thetribunechd) January 15, 2026The decision followed strong action by players earlier on Thursday. No teams arrived at the venue hours before the scheduled start of BPL matches. The absence was a protest against Najmul Islam’s remarks. Players described these remarks as humiliating and unacceptable.
Najmul Islam faced widespread criticism after accusing former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal of being an “Indian agent” in a Facebook post. These remarks followed Tamim’s recent interview. In that interview, he urged the board to prioritise cricketing interests over Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Read: Bangladesh Cricketers Boycott Matches, Demand Resignation of BCB Director
Tamim’s comments came after the BCB decided not to travel to India, citing security concerns. This decision followed a request from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. They wanted to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the Indian Premier League.
Screenshots of Najmul Islam’s post spread rapidly across social media, intensifying backlash. Earlier, the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh had warned that players would boycott the BPL unless Najmul resigned. This needed to happen before the opening match between Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Najmul also drew criticism for warning that players would receive no financial compensation if they boycotted Bangladesh’s World Cup participation.
Later on Friday, he issued a clarification on Facebook, stating that his remarks reflected his personal opinion. He wrote that his comments should not be interpreted as the official position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
