BPL 2025–26 suspended indefinitely as player unrest continues in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to suspend the ongoing BPL 2025–26 season indefinitely due to growing unrest among Bangladeshi cricketers. Multiple local media reports have confirmed that players are still continuing their boycott, leaving the board with no option but to halt the tournament.

According to reports, all franchises participating in the BPL will soon receive official communication from the BCB regarding the league’s suspension. The decision comes as efforts to resolve the crisis have failed to convince players to return to the field.

The unrest began after BCB director M Nazmul Islam made controversial remarks targeting former captain Tamim Iqbal and other Bangladeshi players. In response, cricketers warned that they would boycott all forms of cricket unless Nazmul Islam stepped down from his position.

Although the BCB later removed Nazmul Islam from his role as chairman of the Finance Committee, this move has not eased tensions. Players remain firm in their stance and have refused to resume playing.

Several Bangladeshi media outlets, including ViewsBangladesh, reported on Thursday, January 15, that the BPL season would be suspended indefinitely if players did not show up for matches that day. A BCB director, speaking to reporters, confirmed that the board was left with limited choices due to the ongoing boycott.

Earlier in the day, the opening match of the Dhaka leg of BPL 2025–26 between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express was postponed after players from both teams failed to arrive at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. This was part of a nationwide strike by Bangladeshi cricketers, affecting all domestic competitions.

The controversy traces back to remarks made by Nazmul Islam, who allegedly labeled Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” after Tamim suggested peace talks between the BCB, ICC, and BCCI amid Bangladesh’s standoff related to the 2026 T20 World Cup. The situation worsened when Nazmul claimed that withdrawing from the World Cup would harm players financially but would not affect the BCB.

To protect the board’s operations, the BCB exercised presidential authority under Article 31 of its constitution to remove Nazmul Islam from the Finance Committee chairmanship. BCB President Aminul Islam has taken over the role on an interim basis, with a permanent replacement expected to be announced later.

Meanwhile, the disruption has continued across domestic cricket. The evening BPL match between Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans was also postponed after players refused to enter the stadium. Additionally, four Dhaka Cricket League matches scheduled for January 15 were called off due to the ongoing protest.

With no resolution in sight, Bangladesh’s domestic cricket calendar remains at a complete standstill, and the future of the BPL 2025–26 season now depends entirely on whether the standoff between players and the board can be resolved.