The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday relieved director M Najmul Islam of his duties as chairman of the board’s finance committee, following widespread protests by cricketers that triggered a boycott of all forms of cricket, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

In a media release, the BCB said President Aminul Islam Bulbul took the decision with immediate effect “following a review of recent developments and in the best interest of the organisation,” exercising powers under Article 31 of the BCB Constitution. Bulbul will serve as acting chairman of the finance committee until further notice.

The move came after the opening match of the Dhaka leg of the BPL between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express was disrupted on Thursday, with players refusing to take the field at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The boycott was sparked by controversial remarks from Najmul, who said players were not entitled to compensation if Bangladesh failed to qualify for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and suggested the board could seek refunds from cricketers for poor performances. The comments were widely condemned as disrespectful.

The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) had warned that all cricketing activities would remain suspended unless Najmul was removed, while also placing broader demands on governance reforms and accountability within the BCB.