Players end protest after controversial finance chief gets sacked

Cricket action in neighboring Bangladesh is set to return to normal. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will resume on Friday following a tense standoff that briefly halted the tournament. A resolution was reached late Thursday night during a meeting between the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Trouble began when senior players launched a protest against Najmul Islam, the chairman of the BCB’s finance committee. His controversial statements sparked outrage among the cricketers, leading to the postponement of two BPL matches and four games in the Dhaka Cricket League.

However, the board acted swiftly to save the season. In an official statement, the BCB confirmed that Najmul Islam has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect to protect the organization's best interests. Until a replacement is found, the BCB President will take over the role of Acting Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Following the meeting, CWAB President Mohammad Mithun addressed the media alongside BCB director Iftekhar Rahman. He confirmed that the players agreed to return to the field for the "greater interest of cricket." Mithun stated that the board has assured them regarding their demands and promised to address the grievances concerning the ousted official.

The India Connection and Controversy

The friction within Bangladesh cricket has deep roots involving upcoming international commitments. The sacked official, Najmul Islam, had previously stirred controversy regarding Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup due to security concerns.

Tensions escalated when former captain Tamim Iqbal suggested a more diplomatic approach to the standoff with India. In response, Najmul reportedly labeled the veteran cricketer an "agent of India," a comment that infuriated the player fraternity. The BCB has since reiterated that the honor and dignity of cricketers remain its highest priority and urged all players to maintain professionalism during this challenging period.

With the administrative hurdles cleared, fans can look forward to the Bangladesh Premier League continuing its schedule without further interruptions.

Image Source: The Daily Star