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BCB threatens clubs boycotting First Division League amid biased election dispute

Soumyajit Dutta

BCB conference [Source: @BCBtigers/X.com]BCB conference [Source: @BCBtigers/X.com]

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has issued a firm warning to dozens of local clubs that are boycotting competitions in protest of the board's recent election. With the domestic calendar in jeopardy, officials warned they will proceed with the upcoming First Division League and replace any teams that refuse to participate.

The dispute rose from allegations that the BCB election was unfair, leading many clubs to withdraw from tournaments. 45 of the 72 clubs across divisions publicly protested and announced a boycott of all CCDM-run competitions.

Nevertheless, in response, board officials argued that continuing the boycott only hurts players and the sport, and they are prepared to enforce league rules that allow for teams to be removed.

BCB President threatens protesting teams

BCB vice-president Faruque Ahmed stated the board's position clearly while indirectly threatening the club's suspension if they do not participate.

"Before the tournament starts, every team receives the bylaws. Everything is clearly written there - what applies, what happens in which situation... The playing conditions and the bylaws that are sent to the participating teams explain very clearly what will happen if a team doesn't take part in the league," Faruque told reporters.

Faruque emphasized that the board would find other ways to organize cricket if the league collapses. "If club cricket does not take place, there will still be tournaments. The board will obviously find a way to keep the players on the field... But then the clubs' demands won't stand," Faruque added.

Faruque also commended former captain Tamim Iqbal, who persuaded his own club to end its boycott. 

"We welcomed Tamim in the board's press release. We welcome him again for his dedication to the game. Tamim also realised that not having cricket is extremely damaging - for Bangladesh cricket and for the players," added the vice-president.

Despite the public boycott announced by many clubs, CCDM chairman Adnan Rahman Dipon noted they have received no formal withdrawal and reiterated that they are publishing the fixture with all 20 teams included.

The league is now set to begin on December 14. Officials confirmed that twelve clubs, including Tamim Iqbal's Old DOHS, are ready to play, while eight others remain opposed.