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), the country's lone franchise-based T20 tournament, after announcing a boycott following what they 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, scheduled for 1:00 PM between Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

CWAB also called an impromptu press conference at 1:00 PM at a city hotel to announce their stand after a negotiation meeting between BCB officials and players' representatives ended without any fruitful outcome. The meeting took place hours after CWAB had issued its ultimatum.

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

"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," the BCB said in a statement.

"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 matter will be dealt with through due process, and appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the proceedings," the statement added.

"The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2026 is currently in its final phase. As the country's most popular and globally recognised domestic franchise competition, the BPL holds a special place in Bangladesh cricket and among fans at home and abroad," it said.

"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 and ensuring the smooth continuity of the BPL 2026," the statement added.

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

More to follow.