Image Credit : ICC

Bangladesh cricket’s recent turmoil isn’t the result of poor performances alone. It is the outcome of administrative chaos, political interference, and a complete disregard for players’ voices. At the centre of this storm sits politician and former BCB director Nazmul Islam, whose actions repeatedly pushed the board and the team into unnecessary conflict.

The boycott narrative did not emerge organically. It was actively fuelled.

Soon after Shakib Al Hasan’s close associate Rahman was removed from the IPL setup, the BCB suddenly began floating the idea of a boycott. What was framed as “national pride” looked more like a reactionary power move. Cricketing logic was nowhere in sight.

Former captain Tamim Iqbal stepped in with a rare moment of sanity. He publicly stated that picking a fight with the BCCI would only hurt Bangladesh cricket. It was a veteran speaking from experience, prioritising the future of the game over politics.

The response was telling.

Nazmul Islam dismissed Tamim by branding him an “Indian agent.” A senior cricketer questioning administrative recklessness was painted as disloyal. That label wasn’t just disrespectful — it sent a clear message to every player: fall in line or be silenced.

The players’ association protested. The situation escalated quickly, forcing the cancellation of BPL matches. The crisis grew too loud to ignore, and Nazmul Islam was temporarily removed from his role — not as accountability, but as damage control. Just enough to calm the noise.

Players were then pushed into silence. No transparent dialogue followed. No structural reform was attempted. The board returned to business as usual.

The consequences arrived soon after.

Bangladesh were removed from the World Cup. Shockingly, there was no consultation with players, no collective discussion, no attempt to explain or justify the decision internally. The very people expected to represent the country were treated as outsiders.

And now, in a move that sums up the state of governance perfectly, Nazmul Islam has been reinstated as a BCB director.

No reflection.
No accountability.
No learning.

Bangladesh cricket today isn’t suffering from a lack of talent. It is suffering from leadership that confuses politics with administration and ego with authority. Until players are respected as stakeholders rather than controlled as assets, the cycle will repeat.

This isn’t a setback.

It’s a warning.

And if nothing changes, Bangladesh cricket isn’t just stagnating — it’s heading straight towards irrelevance.