The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was forced to sack its finance committee chairman Najmul Islam on Thursday after senior players of the national team revolted against him for making derogatory comments against them.
Despite the removal of Najmul from a key BCB post, two matches of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) scheduled on the day were postponed. The players taking part in the BPL were united in their demand for immediate removal of Najmul as BCB director.
Under player and public pressure, BCB removed Najmul as chairman of the board's finance committee, but he remains a BCB director. "...Following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB president has decided to release Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as chairman of the finance committee with immediate effect," said the BCB in a statement.
"Until further notice, the BCB president will assume the role of acting chairman of the finance committee. The BCB reiterates that the interests of the cricketers remain its highest priority. The Board remains fully committed to upholding the honour and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction... BCB hopes that all cricketers will continue to display the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to the betterment of Bangladesh cricket, during what is a challenging period for the game,: the BCB said, adding that it will do its utmost to ensure continued participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
The furore started after Najmul, while reiterating Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India for next month's T20 World Cup on account of "security worries", rejected concerns surrounding players' remuneration should the country withdraw. He said the players would not be compensated as they have not justified the support so far, having failed to win a single ICC event. The statement caused an outrage with CWAB calling for his immediate ouster from the BCB, which had also showcaused Najmul.
"The BCB reiterates its regret over the recent objectionable comments made by a member of the Board. It acknowledges the concern caused by the remarks and wishes to reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, respect for cricketers and the values that nurture the game of cricket," the BCB said in a press release earlier on Thursday.
"...the Board has already initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against the Board member concerned. A show-cause letter has been issued, and the individual has been instructed to submit a written response within 48 hours," it said.
Bangladesh are refusing to tour India, citing security concerns, after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL on BCCI's instructions for unspecified "developments all around". The BCB is still in talks with the ICC to figure a way out after the world body showed reluctance to shift Bangladesh's four games in India to Sri Lanka.
Najmul had earlier described former captain Tamim Iqbal as an "agent of India" after he called for a restrained handling of the standoff with India, warning that decisions taken today would have impact 10 years down the line. The CWAB had condemned that statement from Najmul.
Also read: ICC unwilling to shift Bangladesh games, but BCB refuses to yield
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