Controversial remarks by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M. Najmul Islam and the firm stance taken by the cricketers have pushed Bangladesh cricket into a major crisis.
Amid growing tensions and a boycott by the players, the BCB on Thursday decided to postpone the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) indefinitely.
No match was played on the first day of the Dhaka leg on Thursday (January 15). The afternoon fixture between Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals did not take place, while the high-profile evening clash between Sylhet Titans and Rajshahi Warriors was also cancelled.
The decision came after no cricketer or team captain reported to the field even after the scheduled time. The BCB is expected to officially inform the franchises of the decision later tonight.
Although the BCB relieved Mr Islam of his responsibilities as chairman of the board’s Finance Committee, the move failed to pacify the players.
At a press conference earlier in the day, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) made it clear that simply stripping Mr Islam of his committee role would not be enough, describing the move as “eyewash.” CWAB demanded his complete removal from the BCB board.
The cricketers also announced that they would not take part in any match until their demand is met.
The abandonment of two matches in a single day, followed by the suspension of the entire tournament, marks an unprecedented incident in the history of Bangladesh cricket.
Bd-Pratidin English / AM
