Players' boycott delays BPL match amid standoff with BCB

Cricketers remained firm on their stand as no teams arrived at the venue hours ahead of the scheduled start of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after announcing a boycott. The action follows what players described as humiliation by Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) finance committee chairman Najmul Islam.

On January 14, the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) announced that players would not take part in the BPL if Najmul did not resign before the opening game. The match was scheduled for 1:00 PM between Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

CWAB called an impromptu press conference at 1:00 PM at a city hotel to announce their stand. This followed a negotiation meeting between BCB officials and players' representatives that ended without any fruitful outcome.

The latest development came despite the BCB announcing it had initiated disciplinary action against Najmul.

In a statement, the BCB said: "The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reiterates its regret over the recent objectionable comments made by a member of the Board. The BCB acknowledges the concern caused by the remarks and wishes to reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, respect for cricketers, and the values that nurture the game of cricket."

"As a constitutional body, the BCB is duty-bound to address such matters strictly in accordance with its established rules, regulations, and professional guidelines. In line with this responsibility, the Board has already initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against the Board member concerned. A show-cause letter has been issued, and the individual has been instructed to submit a written response within 48 hours," the statement added.

"The BCB firmly believes that the players are the main stakeholders and the lifeblood of the BPL and of all cricketing activities under the Board. The Board sincerely hopes that the cricketers will continue to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment by supporting the successful completion of the tournament," the statement concluded.

Sources confirmed that the timing of the opening BPL match could be pushed back by a couple of hours, subject to the outcome of the CWAB press conference.