![Chattogram Royals vs Noakhali Express [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768461176583_BPL 2026 match delayed.jpg)
Chattogram Royals vs Noakhali Express [Source: X]
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL 2025-26) match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express has been delayed because neither team has arrived at the stadium.
The match was scheduled to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, on 15 January 2025. The toss was supposed to take place at 12:30 PM local time, and the match was set to start at 1:00 PM. However, both teams failed to reach the venue, and as of now, they still have not arrived.
BPL teams boycott match amid feud with BCB director
The delay is believed to be linked to recent comments made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam against Bangladesh cricketers. These comments reportedly upset the players. As a result, players from both teams have decided to boycott the match and are refusing to take the field until the board official resigns.
Match referee Shipar Ahmed told ESPNcricinfo that officials were standing on the ground and were unsure about the situation.
"We are standing in the middle of the ground. We don't know what's happening. The BPL technical committee can tell you better," he said.
Earlier in the day, matches in the Dhaka Cricket League were also delayed as the player boycott announced by the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh came into effect.
BCB issues show-cause notice to director M Nazmul
At the same time, the BCB issued a show-cause notice to M Nazmul Islam over his comments against national cricketers. The BCB confirmed that formal disciplinary proceedings had been started.
It is important to note that Nazmul has been asked to submit a written explanation within 48 hours, after which appropriate action will be taken.
Nazmul’s comments were made during a board prayer meeting for former prime minister Khaled Zia. They were linked to the ongoing controversy over Bangladesh’s decision not to play matches in India during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 due to security concerns.
BCB director's take on possible financial losses
When asked about possible financial losses, Nazmul claimed the board would not suffer, but the players would. He also stated that players should not expect any compensation.
"Why [would there be]? Are we asking them for the crores and crores of taka that we are spending on them? Answer me first," he said.
"We are spending so much money on them, they are not being able to do anything in different places. Have we got any international awards? What have we done at any level? Let us now ask them for the money back after every time they couldn't play. Give us back. Why should there even be a question of compensating the players?"
These remarks caused widespread backlash. The BCB later released a statement distancing itself from Nazmul’s views, stressing that his comments were personal and did not reflect the board’s position. The board also promised strict action against anyone who disrespects players or harms the reputation of Bangladesh cricket.
This is not the first time Nazmul has faced criticism. Earlier in the week, he had also made harsh remarks against former captain Tamim Iqbal, further intensifying tensions between players and board officials.
