Former Bangladesh cricketer and Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun has revealed disturbing details surrounding the recent players’ protest against Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, January 16, Mithun said several cricketers involved in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) boycott have received threatening calls and have been branded as “traitors” and “enemies of the nation” for speaking up.

The controversy erupted after Nazmul publicly stated that the BCB would not suffer financially if Bangladesh skipped the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. He further questioned the investment made in players and controversially suggested that the money spent on them should be returned. The remarks sparked widespread outrage among domestic and international players, prompting CWAB to call for his resignation and initiate a boycott of the BPL.

In response to the backlash, the BCB distanced itself from Nazmul’s comments and removed him from his role as chairman of the finance committee, although he continues to remain a board director. CWAB welcomed the decision and officially called off the protest late Thursday night, but has maintained its demand for a public apology to address the damage caused by the remarks.

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Mithun, who emerged as the face of the protest, said the movement was backed by cricketers from across domestic teams. “Players from every domestic side shared their opinions, which led to this collective decision,” he stated.

🚨 Bangladesh Cricket will be destroy soon :

The Bangladesh Premium League [BPL] is in lockdown today as players launch a total boycott.

Bangladeshi players are also not happy with the fact that BCB saying they won’t get paid anything if Bangladesh forfeits from T20 world cup… pic.twitter.com/hvqC43i6kE

— CricPal (@AnupPalAgt) January 15, 2026

He also expressed concern over the personal toll the protest has taken on players. “Those who spoke in front of the camera received threatening calls from unknown numbers. We did not insult anyone, nor did we say anything against our country. This was about cricket and self-respect. Still, we have been labelled as enemies of the nation,” Mithun said.

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BCB director Iftekhar Rahman, who accompanied Mithun at the press conference, confirmed that Nazmul has been served a show-cause notice and given 48 hours to respond, following which further disciplinary action will be considered. Rahman added that the board has so far been unable to establish direct contact with Nazmul.

With assurances from the BCB, CWAB has agreed to resume participation, and the BPL is set to continue from Friday. Mithun reiterated that the players’ priority remains protecting the dignity of the game and those who play it.