Cricketers ready to return if Najmul apologises publicly

Bangladesh’s cricketers have made it clear that a public apology from Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Najmul Islam will pave the way for their immediate return to competitive action.

In a press release on Thursday, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) said players had reconsidered their earlier stance in the greater interest of the game, citing the women’s World Cup qualifiers in Nepal, the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup, the ongoing Under-19 World Cup and the importance of the BPL.

CWAB welcomed the BCB’s decision to remove Najmul from the Finance Committee and said it was prepared to allow time for due process regarding his directorship, provided the procedure continues.

However, the association reiterated that Najmul must apologise publicly for remarks it described as insulting towards cricketers.

CWAB confirmed it has informed the BCB that if the apology is made publicly and the process regarding Najmul’s position remains ongoing, players will be ready to return to play from Friday.