Bangladesh Cricketers Plead As Another Controversy Grips BCB

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been plunged back into chaos on Monday, January 26, 2026, as the controversial reinstatement of a top official has sparked fears of a “death blow” to the nation’s cricket.

Just days after Bangladesh was officially expelled from the 2026 T20 World Cup and replaced by Scotland, internal administrative warfare has reached a breaking point.

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The Reinstatement: M Najmul Islam Returns

The BCB has sparked outrage by reinstating M Najmul Islam as the head of the finance department.

• The “India Agent” Dig: Islam was previously stripped of his duties after labeling legendary batter Tamim Iqbal an “agent of India” for suggesting that Bangladesh should prioritize dialogue over a tournament boycott.
• The Compensation Controversy: Islam further inflamed tensions by stating that players “did not deserve” compensation for the missed World Cup, mocking the investment made in them by saying, “Are we asking them for the crores… we are spending on them [despite they] are not being able to do anything?”
• The Disciplinary U-Turn: Despite a show-cause notice and a temporary suspension following a BPL player strike, the BCB disciplinary committee cleared him on Saturday, claiming his explanation was “satisfactory.”

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Cricketers in Despair: “Please Save Cricket”

A sense of hopelessness has gripped the national squad, with players using the phrase “Please Save Cricket” to describe the current state of governance.

• The Helpless Strike: Players had briefly boycotted the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on January 15 to force Islam’s removal. His immediate return after the tournament’s conclusion has been seen as a “betrayal” by the board.
• Tamim Iqbal’s Warning: Tamim had warned that “decisions driven by public emotion” rather than diplomacy would haunt the board for a decade. His prediction has largely come true as Bangladesh faces a potential INR 300 crore financial loss and possible ICC sanctions.

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The World Cup Fallout (Quick Recap)

• The Replacement: Scotland has officially taken Bangladesh’s spot in Group C (with New Zealand, Afghanistan, PNG, and Uganda).
• The Refusal: The Bangladesh government refused travel clearance to India, citing security concerns, despite the ICC’s independent assessment finding no credible threat.
• Global Backlash: Legends like Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf have slammed the “double standards” of the ICC, comparing the situation to the relocation of India’s Champions Trophy matches away from Pakistan.