The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of BCB Director M Nazmul Islam due to his remarks directed at senior players, including former captain Tamim Iqbal. The statement comes amid growing criticism from cricket players, according to a release.
“The Board expresses its sincere regret for remarks that may be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or hurtful. Such comments do not reflect the values, principles, or official position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, nor do they align with the standards of conduct expected from individuals entrusted with the responsibility of serving Bangladesh cricket,” the release stated.
“The BCB reiterates that it does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement or remark made by any director or Board member unless issued formally through the Board’s designated spokesperson or the Media & Communications Department. Any statements made outside these authorised channels are personal in nature and should not be interpreted as representing the views or policies of the Board,” it added.
Earlier, BCB director M Najmul Islam mocked former Bangladeshi captain Tamim Iqbal as a ‘Indian agent’ after Iqbal called for a conversation to ease tensions in the two countries’ cricketing ties following the release of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Former men’s team captain Tamim Iqbal stated that the BCB should settle the dispute through discussion, placing the nation’s cricketing interests and future at the forefront, amid uncertainties surrounding Bangladesh’s trip to India for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. Tamim said this on the sidelines of the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament trophy-unveiling ceremony on January 9 at the City Club venue.
“Since I am not involved [with the BCB], like any other regular person, I am finding things out through the media. But I am sure those dealing with these matters have a lot more information. So in that regard, I should not suddenly be making comments. What I am saying, however, is that Bangladesh cricket’s interest, future and everything else must be considered before making such a decision. There is nothing better than if something can be resolved through dialogue,” Tamim had earlier said as per The Daily Star.
As of right moment, there is uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup visit to India. The BCB has requested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) move its matches outside of India because of ‘safety, security concerns’ of players. In the midst of crimes against Hindus in Bangladesh, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to remove bowler Mustafizur from their IPL 2026 squad.
Sensitive topics should be considered internally within the board before any public remarks are made, according to Tamim Iqbal, because statements can be difficult to withdraw. He emphasised once more that decisions should be made with the future of Bangladeshi cricket in mind, as the ICC provides the majority of funding.
“What I feel, and I think I would have done the same if I were there, is that since this is a sensitive issue, before making public comments, we would discuss the matter ourselves [within the board]. Because when you make a public comment, right or wrong, it becomes difficult to step back from that position. Bangladesh cricket’s future comes before everything else, and 90 to 95 per cent of the finances come from the ICC, so decisions have to be made based on what will help Bangladesh cricket,” Tamim added.
Cricket fans around the country were infuriated by the BCB Director’s comment, and several of Tamim’s teammates had also voiced their displeasure. Players who supported Tamim, such as Mominul Haque, Taskin Ahmed, and Taijul Islam, protested the director’s remark in a series of social media posts.