Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam drew criticism after making dismissive comments about players’ earnings, suggesting that large sums spent on cricketers should not be expected to be returned. Responding to questions about possible compensation for players after the World Cup, he remarked that since players have not won major tournaments, the board could theoretically demand repayment of its investments.

In response, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CoAB), represented by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, clarified that most of the board’s income comes from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and sponsors, not from individuals. Miraz reminded that BCB’s reported fund of Tk 1,300 crore exists largely due to the contributions of national team players over the years. He emphasized that without matches, there would be no sponsorships or ICC revenue.

Miraz also noted that cricketers pay 25–30 percent in taxes to the government and do not receive money from state funds. He described the director’s remarks as disrespectful to all players and the broader sports community.

Bangladesh cricketers have announced a boycott of matches following remarks by BCB director M Nazmul Islam. The players made the announcement after a meeting at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, where they held a press conference to clarify that their decision was not solely based on Nazmul’s comments. During the briefing, they presented five key demands addressing ongoing issues in domestic and women’s cricket.

The demands include resolving the crisis in Dhaka’s First Division Cricket, settling sexual harassment allegations involving women cricketers, improving facilities and opportunities for female players, securing the resignation of BCB director M Nazmul Islam, and providing a clear explanation for the exclusion of nine players reportedly under an undeclared ban from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) also informed players about their income structure during the event.

The press conference highlighted growing discontent among players over administrative and disciplinary matters within Bangladesh cricket, signaling potential disruptions to domestic competitions if the demands remain unaddressed.

After a day of uncertainty and tension caused by players’ boycott, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and cricketers reached a late-night agreement, ensuring that the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will resume on Friday as scheduled. The matches that were not played on Thursday will now be held on Friday, marking the start of the Dhaka phase. The January 16 match is rescheduled for January 17, and the January 17 match will take place on January 18. Consequently, the rest day on January 18 will now feature games, and the playoffs, originally set for January 19, will begin on January 20.

The players’ boycott on Thursday led to the cancellation of all BPL matches that day. Cricketers’ association president Mohammad Mithun apologized to fans and explained that miscommunication with the board prevented players from participating in the second match. Meanwhile, the BCB issued a show-cause notice to director M Nazmul Islam, expecting a written response within 48 hours. Disciplinary action may follow if no satisfactory reply is received.

The resolution allows the BPL schedule to continue with minor adjustments, restoring normalcy after the brief disruption.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam has come under fire for making disparaging remarks about national cricketers, including calling Tamim Iqbal an offensive name in a Facebook post. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (COAB) demanded an unconditional apology, but Nazmul later made further negative comments, suggesting that cricketers owe their existence to the board. Youth and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul criticized these remarks, calling them irresponsible and deeply disappointing for someone in a senior position.

Asif Nazrul also reiterated Bangladesh’s firm stance on not playing the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, stating that the team prefers Sri Lanka as an alternative venue. He confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested the BCB to reconsider but said Bangladesh remains resolute about hosting or playing the tournament elsewhere. Nazrul emphasized national unity among the board, players, and fans to uphold the country’s dignity.

He added that an ICC delegation may visit Bangladesh soon for discussions regarding the World Cup venue issue.

Bangladesh’s professional cricketers have decided to return to the field after reconsidering their boycott of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The players had earlier refused to play two BPL matches in protest against negative remarks made by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) announced in a statement that, following internal discussions, the players are now prepared to resume play.

The BCB had issued a show-cause notice to M Nazmul Islam and removed him from the board’s finance committee in an effort to ease tensions. CWAB welcomed these steps and expressed hope that Nazmul Islam would also issue a public apology. The organization said that if the apology and disciplinary process proceed as expected, there would be no obstacle to players returning to the BPL from Friday.

CWAB noted that the decision considered the importance of the BPL, the ongoing women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers in Nepal, and the upcoming Under-19 World Cup campaign, emphasizing unity across Bangladesh cricket.

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul reaffirmed that the country will not send its cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday, he said there is no scope to change this decision. Nazrul emphasized that Bangladesh remains eager to participate in the World Cup but wants the matches to be held in Sri Lanka, which he believes is a feasible alternative.

The dispute began after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Indian Premier League following directives from the Indian cricket board. The move came amid tensions in India over reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. In response, Bangladesh suspended IPL broadcasts and later decided not to send its team to India for the World Cup, citing security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board formally informed the ICC and requested that its matches be relocated outside India.

An ICC delegation has arrived in Dhaka to discuss the issue, but Nazrul reiterated that Bangladesh’s stance remains unchanged and that the team wishes to play in Sri Lanka instead.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced that the four additional metro rail trips planned for Friday will not operate following the cancellation of Thursday’s scheduled Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match. The information was confirmed by Md. Ahsan Ullah Sharifi, Deputy Project Director (Public Relations) of MRT Line-6, on January 15, 2026.

According to Sharifi, DMTCL had planned to run four extra trips daily from January 15 to 23 to accommodate passengers traveling to and from Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur during BPL match days. However, the plan has been temporarily suspended due to the match cancellation.

Officials stated that decisions regarding additional trips for upcoming match days will be made based on the evolving situation and future schedules.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been indefinitely suspended after players boycotted matches in protest against comments made by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam. The boycott led to the cancellation of scheduled matches, including Chattogram Royals versus Noakhali Express and Sylhet Titans versus Rajshahi Warriors. Despite BCB relieving Nazmul Islam of his duties, players did not return to the field, prompting the suspension.

The dispute began when players, through their association, demanded Nazmul Islam’s resignation following his controversial remarks. The BCB later announced his removal in an official statement, citing the board’s interests and confirming that the decision complied with Article 31 of its constitution. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul will temporarily oversee the finance committee.

The indefinite suspension leaves the future of the ongoing BPL season uncertain, as players have yet to signal a return despite the administrative action taken by the board.

The Shaheed Osman Hadi Memorial Night Mini-Bar Football Tournament 2026 was inaugurated in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar. The event took place at Bhimshi Babur Bazar playground in the 2 No. Bhunbir Union, organized by Samaj Kalyan Sangstha Bhunbir with support from Kripamoyee Jubo Sangha. The formal inauguration was announced at 8 p.m. on Wednesday by M. Idris Ali, a member of the Upazila BNP convening committee.

In his opening remarks, Idris Ali emphasized that sports help youth stay away from drugs, terrorism, and crime, fostering a healthy and united society. He said such events in memory of martyrs inspire patriotism, discipline, and harmony among the younger generation and urged continuation of similar initiatives. The knockout-format tournament features 32 inter-district teams.

In the opening match, Islambur Ekata Jubo Sangha of Chunarughat defeated Young Brothers Sporting Club of Saif Tea Garden 4–3 in a tiebreaker after a goalless draw. Player Iman, wearing jersey number 10 for Islambur Ekata Jubo Sangha, was named Man of the Match. The event also featured speeches from local leaders and community representatives.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially relieved director M Nazmul Islam of his duties. In a formal statement issued on January 15, 2026, the board said the decision was made in the interest of the organization following recent events. The BCB clarified that the move did not violate any clause of its constitution, citing Article 31 as the basis for the removal. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul will temporarily take charge of the board’s finance committee.

The statement emphasized that the board remains committed to upholding the dignity and respect of its players. It also expressed hope that, following this decision, cricketers would soon return to the field to participate in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches.

The announcement comes amid reports of player boycotts that led to delays in scheduled matches, though the BCB did not directly link the removal to those incidents.

A new controversy erupted on the opening day of the Dhaka phase of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam made contentious remarks about players. In response, the cricketers demanded his resignation and announced a boycott of matches. Following a meeting at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, the players confirmed they had not withdrawn from their boycott decision. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (COAB) president Mohammad Mithun said the players had taken the decision out of helplessness and compulsion.

When asked whether players would receive compensation if they missed the World Cup, Nazmul Islam replied that no compensation is sought from players for poor performance and added that without the board, there would be no cricketers. The players reiterated at a press conference that they remained firm in their stance, emphasizing their willingness to play only if their demands were met.

Later, Nazmul Islam was relieved of all his responsibilities, and Bulbul was assigned to lead the finance committee, signaling a possible step toward resolving the dispute.

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.

Bangladesh has declared that playing cricket in India is currently unsafe and remains firm in its demand to shift its World Cup matches to Sri Lanka. The country’s stance has created tension with the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has yet to decide whether Bangladesh can play its matches outside India. The tournament, scheduled to begin in February, now faces uncertainty as multiple teams encounter logistical and political obstacles.

The report highlights that India’s strict visa policy toward individuals born in Pakistan has affected more than 20 players from several countries, including the United States, Oman, Canada, and the Netherlands. These players, many of Pakistani origin, are struggling to obtain visas to enter India. The issue extends beyond Bangladesh’s security concerns, as several teams may be unable to field their best squads.

With only weeks remaining before the tournament, unresolved visa restrictions and safety concerns have raised doubts about India’s ability to host the event smoothly. The author suggests that the ICC consider moving the World Cup to a neutral venue to ensure fair participation and avoid further controversy.

Twenty-three members of the British Parliament from multiple political parties have called for the United States to be expelled from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to a BBC report cited in the source, the MPs argue that Washington’s recent military operations violate international law and undermine the sovereignty of other nations. The demand follows a U.S. raid in Caracas that reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as well as subsequent threats by President Donald Trump toward several countries.

The MPs, representing the Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green Party, and Plaid Cymru, signed a joint proposal urging FIFA and other global sports bodies to bar the U.S. from major tournaments. They stated that events like the World Cup or Olympics should not become tools for powerful states to disregard international law. The controversy comes shortly after Trump received a “Peace Award” from FIFA for his role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.

The call adds political tension ahead of the 2026 World Cup, for which the United States is one of the host nations alongside Mexico and Canada.

New Zealand defeated India by seven wickets in the second One Day International at Rajkot, leveling the three-match series 1–1. Chasing 285, the visitors reached 286 for three in 47.3 overs, securing victory with 15 balls to spare. Daryl Mitchell starred with an unbeaten 131 off 117 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, while Will Young contributed 87 runs. The win marked New Zealand’s highest successful run chase in an ODI on Indian soil.

Earlier, India posted 284 for seven after losing the toss and being sent to bat at Niranjan Shah Stadium. Lokesh Rahul remained unbeaten on 112 from 92 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and one six, while opener Shubman Gill added 56 runs. For New Zealand, bowler Clark took three wickets for 56 runs.

With this emphatic win, New Zealand ended an eight-match losing streak against India and kept the series alive ahead of the final ODI.