ICC-BCB Conflict: Bangladesh says board won’t lose a penny, threatens to pull out of….
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has firmly pushed back against growing speculation around the financial impact of a potential withdrawal from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in India. Finance committee chairman Najmul Hossain made it clear that the board itself would not suffer any monetary loss if the men’s team opt out of the tournament.
“There will be no loss for the Bangladesh Cricket Board if we don’t take part in the World Cup,” Najmul said, stressing that any financial setback would be borne by the players, not the board.
Players, Not the Board, Would Take the Financial Hit
According to Najmul, players would lose out on match fees and performance-related bonuses if Bangladesh don’t participate, as those earnings are directly linked to playing matches.
“When they play, they receive match fees and rewards for performances,” he said. “If they don’t play, they don’t earn. That money belongs to the players, not the board.” He added that the BCB neither profits nor loses from player earnings during ICC tournaments.
Revenue Secured Until 2027, Says Najmul
Najmul also clarified that the BCB’s revenue streams are already secured until 2027, based on agreements finalized during the ICC’s 2022 financial meeting. As a result, skipping the upcoming T20 World Cup would not impact the board financially.
“This World Cup does not affect our revenue,” he said. “Future World Cups or bilateral series under the FTP could matter, but not this one.”
Tensions Rise After Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit
The issue gained momentum after the BCCI asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman amid ongoing political tensions between India and Bangladesh. Soon after, the BCB conveyed its reluctance to travel to India, citing security concerns.
The ICC has reportedly urged Bangladesh to reconsider its stance, but the board appears unmoved for now.
No Compensation for Players if Bangladesh Pull Out
Najmul was particularly firm on the issue of compensation, stating that the BCB would not reimburse players for lost income if Bangladesh withdraw from the World Cup.
“If players perform badly, do we ask them to return the money we spent on them?” he asked. “That’s not how professional sport works.”
He emphasized that the board already invests heavily in its players and cannot be expected to compensate for every possible loss.
“Players and Board Are Complementary,” Says Najmul
Using a strong analogy, Najmul highlighted the interdependence between the board and the players, saying one cannot function without the other.
“If the board doesn’t exist, can the players exist?” he asked. “They are part and parcel of each other. They are complementary, not opponents.”
Players Won’t Be Asked Whether They Want to Travel
Contrary to practices followed by some cricketing nations, Najmul confirmed that the BCB will not consult players on whether they are willing to travel to India.
“This is not the players’ decision,” he said. “A World Cup squad is selected by the board, and that squad goes to the tournament.”
BCB Denies Government Interference
Najmul also dismissed claims of government involvement in the board’s decision-making, despite speculation around the role of sports advisor Asif Nazrul.
“We make our own decisions,” he said. “The only exception is security clearance. Without government approval, we cannot travel abroad. Beyond that, this is an independent board.”