Bangladeshi cricketers have threatened to boycott all forms of cricket unless Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam resigns following his controversial remarks against former national captain Tamim Iqbal.
Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), made the announcement on Wednesday, hours after Nazmul Islam’s comments sparked widespread outrage. The development comes as two Bangladesh Premier League matches remain scheduled for January 15.
The controversy erupted when Nazmul Islam accused Tamim Iqbal of being an “Indian agent” in a Facebook post.
The remarks followed Tamim’s recent interview in which he urged the BCB to prioritise cricketing interests before making a final decision on Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Tamim’s comments came after the BCB decided against traveling to India, citing security concerns, following a request from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad.
In his Facebook post, Nazmul wrote, “This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent.”
The BCB quickly distanced itself from the remarks and expressed regret in an official statement.
“The Board expresses its sincere regret for remarks that may be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or hurtful,” the statement read. “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 BCB clarified that it does not endorse statements made by board officials unless issued through authorized channels.
“The BCB reiterates that it does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement made by any director or board member unless formally issued 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,” the statement added.
The board also warned of disciplinary action against any individual whose conduct disrespects cricketers or harms the integrity of Bangladesh cricket. The statement reaffirmed full support for all players, past and present, emphasizing that cricketers remain at the heart of the sport in the country.
The CWAB strongly condemned the remarks and demanded a public apology from the BCB director.
Several Bangladesh cricketers reportedly voiced their displeasure on social media. Spinner Taijul Islam termed the remarks “tasteless and completely unacceptable,” demanding a public apology and accountability.
Former captain Mominul Haque described the comments as insulting to Bangladesh’s cricketing community, while pacer Taskin Ahmed said such statements would not help the game move forward and urged officials to act responsibly.
On Friday, Nazmul Islam issued a clarification on Facebook, stating that his remarks reflected his personal opinion.
“A legendary cricketer who scored 15,000 international runs for Bangladesh is now batting in favour of India. This is purely my personal opinion. Please do not take this comment in any other way,” he wrote.
On the other hand, a decision on venues for Bangladesh’s matches, amid souring Dhaka–New Delhi ties, is still awaited.