Second BPL Match Cancelled as Cricketers Continue Boycott

The second match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) scheduled for today has also been called off due to the ongoing cricketers’ boycott. On the opening day of the Dhaka leg, Rajshahi Warriors were set to take the field against Sylhet Titans at 6:00 pm at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Earlier, the afternoon match between Noakhali Express and Chattogram Royals was also cancelled for the same reason.

The boycott followed controversial remarks by BCB director M. Nazmul Islam, prompting players to issue an ultimatum demanding his resignation. Today, the BCB removed him from his position as head of the finance committee, but the players have stated they will not play unless he steps down as a board director as well.

Earlier in the afternoon, players had said they would participate in the evening match if the BCB guaranteed Nazmul’s removal from the board. However, by around 5:30 pm, players from both teams had still not appeared on the field. Reports indicate that the BCB is now considering suspending the BPL altogether.

According to the schedule, commentators and match officials were present on the field at the toss, but no game preparations were underway. The boundary ropes were removed, and the pitch was covered.

The first boycott occurred at 1:00 pm during the opening BPL match after players refused to play, demanding Nazmul’s resignation over his controversial comments. Later in the day, they held another press conference reiterating their stance and demanding a formal announcement from the BCB within 48 hours. Shortly afterward, the board confirmed that Nazmul had been removed from the finance committee.