What Caused the Delay in the BPL Match Toss?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Players' boycott causes match delay.
- Najmul Islam's remarks trigger backlash.
- CBWAB's stand emphasizes player rights.
- BCB's statement disavows personal comments.
- Importance of respect in sports highlighted.
Dhaka, Jan 15 (NationPress) The toss for the Bangladesh Premier League match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express was postponed on Thursday after players chose not to attend the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium due to an insult directed at them by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finance committee chairman Najmul Islam.
The match was initially set to begin at 1:00 pm, with the toss occurring at 12:30 pm, but the match remained in limbo as both captains opted out of the toss.
This situation arose after Najmul made degrading comments, implying that the players would be the only ones to suffer if Bangladesh failed to participate in the T20 World Cup and stated that the BCB would not reimburse players for their potential loss of earnings.
Feeling belittled by Najmul's remarks, the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) announced on Wednesday that players would not engage in the BPL unless Najmul resigned before the opening match.
Additionally, CWAB convened a press conference at a city hotel to clarify its stance after negotiations between BCB officials and player representatives failed to yield results. The discussions took place shortly after CWAB had issued an ultimatum, according to reports from Cricbuzz.
Islam had previously labeled former captain Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent” after Tamim suggested negotiations with the ICC and BCCI regarding the venue dispute for the T20 World Cup.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a statement on Wednesday evening, expressing that Islam's comments do not reflect their values.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board wishes to address recent statements made by a board member that have raised concerns.
“The BCB reiterates that it does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by any director or board member unless officially communicated through the board’s designated spokesperson or the Media and Communications Department. Any remarks made outside these authorized channels are personal opinions and should not be interpreted as the views or policies of the board,” the statement read.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board also clarifies that it will undertake necessary disciplinary actions against any individual whose actions or comments disrespect cricketers or damage the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket,” the statement concluded.