‘CWAB compromised for the sake of the game’

Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun admitted that they decided to play in the ongoing Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the sake of the cricketers—despite all their demands not being met by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

On 15 January, both games of the BPL were postponed as cricketers decided to skip the matches as part of a protest after being insulted by BCB director M Najmul Islam's recent remarks.

After a full day of drama and a series of negotiations that began since they warned of boycotting the BPL unless Najmul was removed from the board, both parties sat across the table to resolve the crisis.

Apart from asking for the resignation of Najmul, Mithun clearly stated that they want the board to resolve the ongoing crisis in Dhaka First Division cricket that has left players and clubs frustrated. CWAB also insisted the board should ensure safe and supportive conditions for female cricketers after former national captain Jahanara Alam raised questions over sexual harassment, and urged for improving opportunities and facilities for women players. Furthermore, he insisted the board should provide a clear explanation regarding the nine players who were excluded from the BPL draft for integrity issues.

“Not everything went as we wanted, definitely not. But for the sake of cricket and thinking about every player, we had to compromise on some things. We were very strict in the beginning; there's no point in denying that we couldn't stay firm until the end, but we always wanted the game to happen,” Mithun told the Daily Sun hours after meeting with BCB high-ups at Navana Tower.

“When we saw that if we remained stubborn the game wouldn't happen at all, we had to give in some areas. I'm sure every player and you (media) have understood the areas we had to look at,” he said, adding that they are looking towards the board with the hope they keep their commitment.

“We want to believe it. If they don't, it would be a betrayal to the players because they gave us a commitment for the sake of the BPL. Ultimately, we didn't just speak for the BPL; we spoke for cricket as a whole. Since the BPL is going on, a decision was needed immediately to keep it running. And they couldn't get what we wanted immediately.”

Mithun revealed the board had struggled to contact the director in question. “They said they haven't been able to reach Najmul bhai. He's not picking up anyone's phone. They've sent him a letter; if he doesn't reply within two days, they already have a committee formed. They've started the process and will implement it as early as possible.”

“They have no problem with the points we raised. My point was that you can't delay this. They said the matter of the first division is already set for the 25th. Other matters will be made 'visible'—meaning action will be taken—as early as possible,” he concluded.