BCB Breaks Promise to Players: Nazmul Islam Reinstated as Finance Committee Chairman Despite Boycott

In a move that has reignited tensions between Bangladesh's cricket administration and its players, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reinstated Nazmul Islam as the chairman of its finance committee. This decision directly contradicts the board's earlier promise to remove Islam following a dramatic players' boycott on January 15, 2026.

The Background: A Boycott That Shook Bangladesh Cricket

The controversy erupted on January 14 when Nazmul Islam made disparaging comments about Bangladesh's cricketers, sparking outrage across the cricketing community. The Cricketers Welfare Association Bangladesh (CWAB), led by president Mohammad Mithun, responded swiftly by calling for a complete boycott of all forms of cricket.

The boycott was enforced on January 15, affecting both the Dhaka First Division Cricket League and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches. The players' demands were clear: they wanted Islam removed entirely from his position as board director.

BCB's Initial Response and Broken Promises

Initially, the BCB appeared to concede to player demands, though only partially. Rather than removing Islam as a board director as requested, the board asked him to step down from his role as finance committee head. This compromise led players to call off the boycott, with the BCB reportedly promising Islam's complete removal from the organization.

However, signs of the board's reluctance to follow through emerged almost immediately. Within days of the boycott ending, Islam was spotted in the BCB's president box, watching BPL matches—a clear indication that his influence within the organization remained intact.

The Reinstatement: BCB's Justification

The reinstatement came after BCB's disciplinary committee reviewed Islam's response to a showcause notice. Disciplinary committee chairman Faiazur Rahman explained the decision, stating that Islam's explanation was deemed satisfactory, leading to a positive report that was subsequently approved in the board meeting.

BCB senior vice-president Shakhawat Hossain offered additional context to the Dhaka-based daily Samakal, revealing that BCB president Aminul Islam used his executive power to reinstate Nazmul. Hossain cited two primary reasons:

• The difficulty in finding someone willing to take responsibility for the finance committee
• Islam's reputation as "an honest person"

Ongoing Turmoil Within BCB Leadership

The Nazmul Islam controversy is not the only challenge facing Bangladesh's cricket administration. The BCB has experienced additional leadership upheaval this week.

Audit Committee Chief Resignation

Mokhlesur Rahman stepped down from his role as audit committee chief amid allegations of involvement in corruption during the current BPL season. These allegations add another layer of concern regarding the governance and integrity of Bangladesh cricket's administrative structure.

Director Departure

Ishtiaque Sadeque also resigned from his director position, citing personal reasons. While the stated cause is non-controversial, the timing of this departure amid broader organizational turmoil raises questions about the internal dynamics at the BCB.

The Rift Between Administration and Players

BCB president Aminul Islam has found himself in ongoing conflict with the country's cricketers in recent weeks. The reinstatement of Nazmul Islam, despite explicit promises to the contrary, is likely to deepen this rift and potentially damage the trust between players and the board.

The cricketers' initial willingness to end their boycott was predicated on the board's commitment to remove Islam. This reversal may make future negotiations between players and administration significantly more difficult, as the board's credibility on such matters has been called into question.

What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket

The decision to reinstate Nazmul Islam sends a concerning message about the BCB's priorities and its relationship with the players who represent the nation. Key questions remain:

• Will the Cricketers Welfare Association Bangladesh respond with renewed action?
• How will this affect player morale and their relationship with the board?
• What does this mean for the ongoing BPL season and future domestic competitions?

Looking Ahead

Bangladesh cricket finds itself at a crossroads. The administrative instability, combined with the breakdown of trust between players and the board, could have lasting implications for the sport's development in the country. The BCB's handling of this situation will be closely watched by players, fans, and the broader cricketing community.

For now, Nazmul Islam returns to his position of financial oversight within Bangladesh cricket, while the players who stood against him are left to wonder about the value of the promises made to them. The coming weeks will reveal whether this decision leads to further confrontation or if an uneasy peace will prevail.