BCB reinstates Najmul as finance committee chairman

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reinstated director M Najmul Islam in his previous role as finance committee chairman, BCB sources confirmed. 

Najmul was previously relieved of his duties as finance committee chairman following a wave of protests by cricketers.

In yesterday’s BCB board of directors’ meeting, Najmul spoke on the issue and according to sources, had the support of other directors. 

“We had given our observation to the board and the board made the call,” BCB disciplinary committee chairman Faiazur Rahman informed The Daily Star. 

A BCB source claimed also said that the disciplinary committee had forwarded its observations to the board and “by the president’s direction, he [Najmul] was reappointed”.

Earlier on January 18, Najmul replied to the board’s show-cause notice a day after the deadline. BCB disciplinary committee had previously noted that they found his reply to be positive and satisfactory but did not divulge on its contents. 

The issue stemmed from some comments Najmul had made on January 14. He told the media that the board did not owe the players any compensation if Bangladesh miss out from competing in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, since the board does not ask for players for refunds for poor performances in world events. 

Najmul’s remarks drew a strong backlash from players. The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) demanded his resignation and threatened to boycott the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and all forms of cricket if he did not resign.

The BPL was held up for a day due the standoff between players and the board. The BCB removed Najmul from the finance committee, but it was not enough to end the protest. The players eventually agreed to return given the BCB carried on with its disciplinary procedure to remove Najmul as a board director. 

“We had openly made our demands and they had made commitments openly. It is clear for all who is not keeping their commitments. The responsibility lies with those who are not keeping commitments,” CWAB president Mohammad Mithun told The Daily Star today.