Bangladesh’s cricketers are set to return to the field for the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 season after a one-day boycott following controversial remarks by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Nazmul Islam.
The situation was resolved after a tripartite meeting between the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and the BCB. From Friday, players will resume playing, leading to minor adjustments in the BPL schedule.
The controversy began when Nazmul Islam, days after calling former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” for suggesting dialogue between the two cricketing nations to resolve the T20 World Cup deadlock, made further remarks. He stated that the BCB would not owe the team compensation if players missed the T20 World Cup and questioned their record in winning major trophies. This followed the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from the IPL 2026, reportedly on instructions from the BCCI amid concerns over atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.
In response, the players decided to boycott all forms of cricket and demanded Nazmul’s removal from the BCB. The board questioned him regarding his comments and relieved him of his duties as head of the finance committee, though he retained his position as BCB director. Despite this, the players eventually reversed their boycott and agreed to resume participation.
As a result, the BPL 2026 matches originally scheduled for January 15, 2026 — Chattogram Royals vs Noakhali Express and Rajshahi Warriors vs Sylhet Titans — will now be played on Friday, January 16. Matches planned for January 16 and 17 have been shifted to January 17 and 18, respectively.
The Eliminator and Qualifier 1, initially scheduled for January 19, will now take place on January 20…………. (Agencies)
