The first match of Thursday’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) did not start on time after players boycotted games in protest against Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Hossain’s comments about cricketers. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CoAB) demanded his resignation on Wednesday night and announced a boycott of all matches until he steps down. As a result, the scheduled toss between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express did not take place at 12:30 p.m.

Despite full preparations at the venue, including open gates for spectators and warm-up arrangements, no players appeared on the field. The boycott ensured that the match could not begin as planned. CoAB called a press conference at 1 p.m. at a five-star hotel in Dhaka to announce further decisions.

Following the controversy, Nazmul Hossain was relieved of all responsibilities, with Bulbul taking charge of the finance committee. However, players have not withdrawn their boycott, leaving uncertainty over whether Thursday’s two scheduled matches will be played.