The Bangladeshfans lose their cool outside the stadium during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 game as the cricketers continue to insist that they will end their playing boycott if the BCB director, Nazmul Islam, makes a public apology for the disparaging remarks he made against their players this week.  

The cricketers issued a statement on Thursday evening as the drama continues with the Dhaka Cricket League games being called off because of the boycott, along with the Bangladesh Premier League games. The BCV has already removed Islam as the chairman of the board's Finance Committee, with the players still wanting him to be removed as the board director.

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“We welcome the decision to remove BCB director M Nazmul Islam from the board's finance committee. Since he has been given a showcase notice and since the BCB has asked for time due to procedural reasons regarding his directorship, we want to give him that time. However, we hope that the process will continue.” The CWAB expressed in a statement.

Bangladesh players lose cool after BPL 2026 matches got boycotted 

Things are not smooth in Bangladesh, with them writing two letters to the International Cricket Council on the request of relocating their venues for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. They want their games to be moved out of India after the BCCI banned their left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, from the next season’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

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🚨🚨 Bangladesh Cricket is in deep deep trouble after getting into conflict with BCCI.

- Scenes outside the Mirpur Stadium after both games getting abondoned amidst bangladesh players protest!!

Message is clear. Don't go against India ever again!! pic.twitter.com/VnowR5il7K

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 15, 2026

On January 15, after the first BPL game had been boycotted and before the BCB moved Islam as chairman of the Finance Committee, Mithun had held a press conference in Dhaka where he outlined the players’ stance. There is no guarantee of the next games taking place in the rest of the event.

“The discussion among the players has been that since last night, we have been told 'procedure, procedure, procedure' at every step. They [BCB] had come with a solution, but we didn't agree. After that, they wanted 48 hours for their procedure, so I spoke to the players, and after discussion, our question is 'after 48 hours taken, if he doesn't resign, then too we will stop playing.” Mithun claimed.

The potential for Bangladesh to withdraw from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has generated a lot of discussion regarding how that next step would impact Bangladesh in accordance with ICC regulations. In response to this, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has come out stating that they will not allow their teams to play matches in India because they have substantial security concerns in light of the issue surrounding pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman's removal from the IPL.

Chairman of the BCB finance committee stated that "the BCB will not suffer financially" from the withdrawal of the team. The reason being is that the ICC has already determined how the revenues will be distributed to the member nations up until 2027, which includes revenue-sharing elements that have nothing to do with actually playing in the event. Thus, even with a withdrawal, the BCB will continue to receive its continuing revenue share and other contractual money.

See Also: Bangladesh Cricket Turmoil: Nazmul Islam sacked after controversial remarks on Tamim Iqbal and T20 World Cup 2026

The players on the other hand would be the group who would suffer the greatest amount of financial loss under the ICC rules. The match fees, performance bonuses, and even minimum payouts for participation are all awarded directly to the players through the World Cup Awards Programs established by the ICC. Therefore, any players on the Bangladeshi Cricket Team would not receive any earnings from the event due to not participating or performing in it.

Potential Consequences and Wider Impact on Bangladesh Cricket

The implications for Bangladesh if it were to withdraw from its scheduled matches against India are significant and would extend beyond finances. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has already released the schedule for the T20 World Cup, which is jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and so far the ICC has told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that they must adhere to the scheduled matches as originally planned. Reports further indicate that ICC officials have instructed Bangladesh they will not receive ICC recognition (and lose related points) for any matches not played in India or that Bangladesh may face further competitive penalty, although these details are still under negotiation.

Bangladesh's official request to the ICC to change its group matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka cites government-led recommendations with respect to player safety; however, ICC Risk Assessments do not appear to have identified any immediate threats in India, and discussions continue with no obvious resolution being forthcoming. The current situation has many different potential consequences beyond monetary and regulatory outcomes. There is the matter of cricket diplomacy and the potential damage to player's morale.

The former Bangladeshi national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal noted that there are long-term implications from the decisions currently being made by the BCB with regard to future cricketing success for Bangladesh. As such, he raises the importance of carefully thinking through the situation rather than reacting to it. Current captains have echoed Iqbal's opinion, stating that all of the uncertainty and the ongoing political tensions surrounding the ICC event create additional stress on players as they prepare for an event of this nature. The standoff over the T20 World Cup illustrates how cricket governance, national politics, and international relations can intersect, raising complex questions for the sport’s administration and the future participation of Bangladesh on the global stage.

On Thursday, M Nazmul Islam was dismissed from the position of Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). His removal followed widespread criticism of his public comments regarding former captain Tamim Iqbal, in which he labeled him an "Indian agent" during a controversy between the BCB and the Indian Board over the T20 World Cup venue dispute. The decision was taken during an online emergency meeting held by the BCB following a call from the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) to boycott all domestic matches in Bangladesh.

The BCB have made it clear that President of the BCB Mr. Najmul Islam has decided effective immediately to dismiss Mr. Najmul Islam from his role as Chairman of the Finance Committee due to recent developments and to protect the best interests of the BCB. The BCB also indicated that the decision was made under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution which gives authority to the President of the BCB. This decision was made to assist in ensuring the proper and effective operation of the BCB. The BCB has stated that until further notice, the President will assume the role of Acting Chairman of the Finance Committee. The BCB also stated that the best interests of cricket remain a priority, and that the BCB is committed to maintaining the integrity and respect of all cricketers under the BCB's jurisdiction.

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"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to inform that, following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation, the BCB President has decided to release Mr. Najmul Islam from his responsibilities as Chairman of the Finance Committee with immediate effect. The decision has been taken in accordance with the authority vested in the BCB President under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution and is aimed at ensuring the continued smooth and effective functioning of the Board's affairs. 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,"the BCB said in a statement.

Why should we compensate? : Najmul

Nazmul Islam increased hostilities in cricket between Bangladesh and India with accusations that former captain Tamim Iqbal was working for an Indian company, citing that losing Tamim will not be a great loss for BCB and trying to downplay the fact that any players would be paid for missing the T20 World Cup, which resulted in CWAB demanding for his removal and players boycotting a Bangladesh Premier League match. Bangladesh Cricket Team is refusing to come to India to play due to safety concerns following the dropping of player Mustafizur Rahman based on orders from the BCCI. ICC discussions will be continuing concerning where matches will be moved, while Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is calling for a more sensible approach due to the extreme pressure they are under as a result of this delay.

"The board has no profit or loss here. Whether Bangladesh plays here or not, there is no profit or loss for the board - at least for this World Cup. Why [should we compensate?]," Najmul asked in a furious tone.

"If they go somewhere and cannot do anything, then the crores of Taka we spend behind them, do we ask for that money back from them? Do we? Answer me," BCB Finance Committee Chairman M Nazmul Islam told reporters on Wednesday.

Bangladesh’scricketers have threatened to boycott all forms of cricket unless the cricket board’s director, M Nazmul Islam, tenders his resignation, following disparaging comments he made against players on January 14. Nazmul, the finance committee chairman of the board, reckoned that he believed the national players should be asked to return the ‘crores of taka’ spent on them.

There are two BPL games scheduled for January 15, and reports have claimed that the team captains, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, along with Mahedi Hasan and Mithun, and the Noakhali coach, Khaled Mahmud, have given their green light to the boycott call.

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“The remark made by the BCB director [Najmul Islam] has hurt the cricket fraternity greatly, and it's not acceptable. We demand his resignation. If he doesn't resign before tomorrow's match, we will announce a boycott of all cricket, starting from the BPL matches tomorrow (Thursday).” Mohammad Mithun, the president of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), raised the boycott prospect.

Bangladesh players likely to boycott BPL 2026 games

Nazmul’s comments came on the sidelines of the board’s prayer meeting for the late former prime minister, Khaled Zia. They come as a part of the ongoing situation from the BCB’s decision not play the games of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India, as the board cites security concerns to relocate the games to Sri Lanka. They have remained firm on their decision regarding the situation.

“Why [would there be]? Are we asking them for the crores and crores of taka that we are spending on them? Answer me first. We are spending so much money on them; they are not able to do anything in different places. Have we got any international awards? What have we done at any level?” Nazmul expressed to the reporters.

“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 BCB later released the statement after the views.  

Since August 5, 2024, Shakib Al Hasan may no longer be on the field, but his presence is still felt in the stands through placards held high by fans. Despite criticism and controversy over his association with the previous government, the love for Shakib remains strong.

At 38, Shakib has shared a deeply personal wish—to wear the Bangladesh jersey one last time, not for records or milestones, but for the fans. He hopes to end his international career with a full-format series at home, in front of the people who have supported him throughout his journey.

Speaking to a Bangladeshi media outlet, Shakib said his desire to retire on his own terms is still strong. “Yes, that wish is still there—to retire after playing a proper series,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m still playing cricket.”

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Shakib Still Hopes for a Farewell Series at Home

Although he is currently outside the national setup, Shakib Al Hasan says he has no regrets. He revealed that his original plan was to end his international career at the Champions Trophy. “I had planned to finish at the Champions Trophy, so there’s no regret,” Shakib said. “That tournament was supposed to be the end of my international career. I’ve played everything apart from that. If I can finish with one more series, I’d feel good. If not, I’m fine with it.”

Despite this, Shakib’s desire to return comes mainly from his strong bond with fans. “If it happens, great,” he said with a smile. “If not, that’s okay too. But if I get the chance to play, it would be for my fans—the ones who support me without conditions. Doing this for them would mean a lot to me.”

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Why a Home Farewell Matters to Shakib

At present, a return to the Bangladesh team does not seem close. When asked if he would consider a farewell series outside the country, Shakib explained why playing at home is so important. “If it’s outside Bangladesh, my fans won’t feel the same,” he said. “They can already watch me on TV. But playing at home is different. They can come to the stadium, stay there, and support me. That feeling is special for both them and me.”

Recently, a fan in Chattogram was reportedly taken to a police station just for carrying a placard with Shakib’s name. The former captain said the incident was both painful and touching. “Of course, it feels bad,” he said. “I feel for my fans. The way they keep supporting me is beyond imagination. Even if I have faults, they have covered them with their love. They expect nothing in return. That kind of support is unbelievable.”

Shakib ended with gratitude and one final hope. “I’m truly thankful to my fans. That’s why I want to finish my career with a series in Bangladesh.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently hosted a video conference with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss topics including the T20 World Cup 2026. This was held on Tuesday, and there was less than a month left for the tournament to commence. Despite the short time frame, uncertainty remains over Bangladesh’s participation at the scheduled venues.

During the meeting, the BCB once again requested that their group-stage matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka. The board repeated that the request was made due to “security concerns.” Senior BCB officials, including president Md Aminul Islam and other top office-bearers, were part of the discussion and stood firm on their position.

The ICC, however, responded by stating that the tournament schedule has already been finalized and asked the BCB to rethink their demand. According to an official BCB press release, Bangladesh has not changed its stance and discussions with the ICC are still ongoing.

Political Tensions Add to Bangladesh’s Financial Worries

The ongoing strain in relations with India is now creating financial problems for Bangladesh cricket as well. Reports suggest the country could face another major setback due to the situation, especially off the field. Recently, it was reported that several top Bangladesh players may lose sponsorship deals because of the political climate. Indian cricket equipment brand SG has reportedly paused renewal talks with leading Bangladesh cricketers, including current captain Litton Das.

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Another Indian sports brand, Sareen Sports Industries (SS), has also taken steps that affect Bangladesh. The company, which previously manufactured its products in Bangladesh, is said to have stopped sourcing goods from the country. “Their sponsorship contracts were coming up for renewal. That process has been slowed down amidst the current heightened political and cricketing tensions between India and Bangladesh,” a source told the Times of India.

“In fact, another leading Indian sports equipment manufacturing company, Sareen Sports Industries (SS) had cancelled the sponsorship contracts of four-five top Bangladesh cricketers last year, when trouble began in Bangladesh. However, things may change if the relations improve between the two countries,” another source added.

The Sylhet phase of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has concluded, and the tournament now shifts to Dhaka. The Dhaka leg will begin on Thursday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, where the final six matches of the 30-game league stage will be played.

Following the end of the Sylhet phase, three teams have already secured qualification for the playoffs, leaving just one remaining spot available. Rajshahi Warriors’ victory over Dhaka Capitals on January 12 confirmed their place, along with Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans, as the competition heads into its final league matches.

Rajshahi Warriors currently lead the table with 12 points from eight matches after recording six wins. Chattogram Royals sit second with 10 points from seven games, while Sylhet Titans are third, also on 10 points, having completed nine matches.

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Playoff race intensifies as BPL moves to Dhaka

Despite sitting fourth on the points table, former champions Rangpur Riders have yet to confirm their place in the playoffs. They have earned eight points from eight matches, with four wins and four losses, and remain in the hunt for the final spot.

Dhaka Capitals and Noakhali Express are also still mathematically in contention, although their chances are slim. Both teams have played eight matches and managed only two victories each, meaning their qualification hopes depend heavily on other results in the remaining fixtures.

The league stage will conclude with six matches on January 15, 16, and 17. The playoffs are set to begin on January 19, while the final will be played on January 23.

Chattogram Royals have emerged as one of the most balanced sides despite a quiet start to the season. Strong opening partnerships from Naim Sheikh and Adam Rossington have provided momentum, while the bowlers have maintained pressure. Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam, and Shoriful Islam have delivered consistent performances, reflected in the team’s healthy net run rate.

Sylhet Titans continue to stay competitive despite playing more matches than most teams. Their form has been inconsistent at times, but a positive net run rate keeps them in a strong position ahead of the final league games.

Rangpur Riders entered the tournament with high expectations due to their experienced squad. However, inconsistency has prevented them from securing a qualification so far. The Dhaka phase will be crucial if they are to convert potential into results.

Dhaka Capitals have struggled throughout the season, winning only two matches. Mistakes at key moments have cost them dearly, and their negative net run rate highlights issues in both batting and bowling.

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Points table summary

As the tournament shifts to Dhaka, net run rate and head-to-head results are expected to play a decisive role in determining the final playoff lineup.

The most trendng news of Bangladesh cricket has been around their two letters to the International Cricket Council to request their venue relocation for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Due to the recent political situation in Bangladesh, which saw BBCI ban the left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026, PCB wrote to the ICC to change their venues for the World Cup.

However, a different video has gone viral from the country where their celebrity cricket league has turned into an ugly fight after six people got injured due to the wrong umpiring decision. It showed the two teams clashed over an umpiring decision during the tournament.

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It was the group stage match between teams of filmmakers, Mustafa Kamal Raj and Dipankar Dipon, where things heated up after the players of both teams ended up in an ugly fight. Six of them suffered during the fight and have been hospitalized, and the tournament has been canceled, even though they reported the same finals. A celebrity even cried because an umpire did not give a boundary which was clearly a four.

Bangladesh Celebrity Cricket League turns into ugly fight

The Times of India has reported that Pakistan’s newslet claimed that the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has approached ICC over Pakistan’s willingness to host Bangladesh’s League and knockout games should they advance after the BCB denied travel to India for this event due to security concerns.

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Celebrity Cricket League has turned into WWE Royal Rumble. 😂

- 6 people got injured
- Tournament got cancelled before semis

30+ year old male & female adults fighting over boundary & out decision in a ‘friendly’ tournament. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/FOAxEI00rz

— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) September 30, 2023

BCB is still waiting for the ICC decision, having already faced rejection on the matter earlier as they wrote the second letter to the Capex Council for the T20 World Cup matches movement to Sri Lanka. The board decided against broadcasting in the upcoming season of the cash-rich league, suspending all the IPL-rated telecasts in the country.

It has also been addressed that Mustafizur is likely to feature for the Pakistan Super League before returning to play for the national side against New Zealand in the white-ball home series.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Aminul Islam Bulbul, expressed that the board would still be waiting for a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its concerns over playing the T20 World Cup games at venues in India, which reiterates that Bangladesh’s position on the issue has not changed.

Bangladesh has conveyed its reluctance to tour India for the tournament, which begins February 07, and has requested that its matches be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. These were raised after Bangladesh pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, was released by the IPL side, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

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“We haven't yet received any reply from the ICC. We have sent all the attachments and proofs of our concern. Any alternate Indian venue at the end of the day is an Indian venue. You all know that no unilateral decision can be taken and we have to abide by the government's diktat.” The BCB president expressed, as cited by the news agency PTI.

BCB president speaks on T20 World Cup 2026 venue relocation

Bangladesh are scheduled to play the three group-stage games in Kolkata and Mumbai. Their first games were going to take place against West Indies, England, and Italy, before they moved to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the final group game against Nepal.

“I haven't heard about Hyderabad and Chennai being replacement venues. We might come to know maybe on Monday or Tuesday. I believe Bangladesh is a big team in world cricket. We have played the quarterfinals of the 2015 ODI World Cup; we played the Champions Trophy semifinals, and in sub-continental conditions, we have a good chance of doing well.” The BCB president addressed.

“It was the personal opinion of the director, and I have asked him to clarify. Tamim has achieved so much, and he should have kept that in mind while putting his opinion in public.” Bulbul concluded as he expressed the confidence of Bangladesh getting the best result in the tournament, especially in the sub-continental conditions.

The Bangladesh Test captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has slammed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director, M Najmul Islam, for his comments on the former captain and the expressive opening batter, Tamim Iqbal. The director faced heavy criticism after calling the southpaw an ‘Indian agent’ after Tamim urged the BCB to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India.

Islam commented on Facebook before it was deleted later on. The controversy came after the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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“Very sad, very sad because such comments were made about a cricketer, a former captain, and in my opinion, one of Bangladesh's most successful cricketers whom we grew up watching. As players, we expect respect, whether someone is a former captain, a regular player, successful or not. At the end of the day, a cricketer hopes for respect.” Shanto expressed, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Najmul Hossain Shanto angry over BCB director’s comment on Tamim Iqbal

The BCB has sent two letters to the ICC, raising their specific concerns over travelling to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. They also repeated the request to move India’s games to Sri Lanka, as the event is scheduled to begin on February 07.

“What hurts most is that the cricket board is supposed to be our guardian. We expect them to protect us. As a player, I cannot accept such a comment. Parents should correct you at home, not in front of everyone. So such a comment from someone who is supposed to be our guardian is very difficult to accept. I completely reject it as a player.” Shanto added.

Bangladesh will start their campaign at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where they will play their three group-stage clashes against West Indies, Italy and England, before the team moves to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for their last group-stage game against Nepal on February 17.