Najmul released, doubts remain over BPL resumption

Bangla Press Desk:   Despite the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) removing M. Najmul Islam from his post as chairman of the finance committee, uncertainty continues to hang over the resumption of the Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as the players’ body remains unconvinced that their demands have been met.

Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun said on Thursday that the board’s move does not address the core concerns raised by the players and insisted that the protest stance would remain unless firm assurances are provided.

“They won’t be able to do anything that we all demanded at the moment. So we said, if the BCB cannot do anything, then we will stand firm on our position,” Mithun told Daily Sun.

Mithun revealed that during discussions with board officials, the BCB had even suggested suspending the tournament altogether due to financial considerations.

“Then they said, ‘let’s shut the BPL down since it’s costly.’ We said that is your issue,” he added.

Earlier on Thursday, the BCB announced that Najmul had been relieved of his responsibilities with immediate effect in what it described as a decision taken “in the best interest of the organisation” and to ensure the smooth functioning of the board. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul has been appointed acting chairman of the finance committee until further notice.

CWAB had earlier threatened to halt all cricketing activities after Najmul’s remarks on social media were deemed insulting by players, a move that led to delays in domestic fixtures and disruption to the opening day of the Dhaka phase of this year’s BPL.

On Thursday afternoon, Chattogram Royals were scheduled to play Noakhali Express, while Sylhet Titans were set to take on Rajshahi Warriors in the evening.

However, BCB and all franchises from the BPL will sit for a meeting at 8 pm Bangladesh Time on Thursday.

BP/SP