In a troubling development amid growing tensions within Bangladesh’s cricketing circles, Mohammad Mithun, the president of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), has revealed that he received threatening phone calls and messages on Thursday — the very day players staged a high-profile boycott of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Dhaka domestic cricket matches.

The incident has escalated concerns within the cricketing community about the safety and freedom of expression for professional players. Mithun, a former national team cricketer and currently a prominent figure representing players' welfare, has emerged as the leading voice in the boycott movement, which saw two BPL matches and several Dhaka League games postponed.

Threats and Intimidation: “We are being called enemies of the country”

During a late-night press conference held on Thursday in Dhaka, Mithun voiced serious concerns about the backlash he and his colleagues have faced following the players’ protest.

"Everyone who's been on camera, we've been getting bad messages and threats via calls from many people," Mithun said. "I am sure that I haven't used any words that make someone small or I have gone into a debate or have spoken against the country. My only issue was cricket. The main matter was our self-respect and we are talking from that point of view only. People are calling us enemies of the country and so on. We have not uttered a single word against the country. No member of CWAB or no player will ever talk badly about our country, I am sure."

The boycott, rooted in grievances over payment structures, contractual fairness, and overall player treatment, marks one of the most significant collective actions by Bangladesh’s cricketers in recent years. It prompted immediate disruption to the BPL, the country’s premier T20 league, and broader domestic fixtures.

BCB Responds: Security Measures and Accountability Promised

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of the threats received by Mithun and others. Iftekhar Rahman, a BCB director who attended the same press briefing, affirmed that the board is taking these threats seriously.

"Everyone knows we have a security department," Iftekhar stated. "I have just heard about the concerns from players, the calls and so on, we will tell the security department to handle it. We are taking this seriously."

Rahman’s statement comes amid growing scrutiny over the board’s handling of player relations. While the BCB has promised support for the affected individuals, questions remain about the culture within cricket administration and how such tensions escalated to this point.

Nazmul Islam Removed from Finance Committee

Amid the fallout, the BCB has removed M Nazmul Islam from his position as chairman of the board’s finance committee following controversial comments that allegedly aggravated the crisis. Although Nazmul remains a BCB director, his demotion reflects the board’s partial acknowledgment of internal missteps.

Rahman noted that Nazmul’s statements had only worsened the situation:

"The situation has only got worse because he has gone ahead and given more comments. The board president, I can confirm, has himself told that director about concerns over his statements. He has denied it to some media that this communication didn't happen, but I can confirm it has happened."

Nazmul’s remarks reportedly questioned the players’ right to demand payments, igniting anger among both current and former players.

Solidarity from Within: Other BCB Voices Side with Players

In contrast to Nazmul’s stance, other board members have openly expressed solidarity with the protesting players. Shanian Taneem, another BCB director, publicly voiced his support for the athletes and criticized attempts to undermine their rights.

In a statement posted on January 14, shortly after Nazmul’s press conference, Taneem emphasized the value and dedication of Bangladesh’s cricketers:

"Our players are our asset and they sweat from head to toe to serve this nation," he wrote. "No one has the right to comment on whether they should be paid or not. I stand for what is right and will always protest for what's wrong.

"The players are our children and I will protect them whether they win or lose. I am only here to serve the game of cricket and I will stand on the way of anyone or anything that will hamper this game and our boys."

Taneem’s words struck a chord across the cricketing community, further highlighting the rift within the board regarding player treatment and administrative transparency.

Boycott Lifted, But Lingering Uncertainty

Following intense negotiations between CWAB and the BCB, the boycott has been lifted, and matches are expected to resume from Friday. However, the incident has exposed deep-rooted issues in the administration of the game, particularly regarding how cricketers’ rights and welfare are handled.

While the resumption of the BPL may offer temporary relief, the larger questions remain: Will player voices be respected going forward? Will reforms be enacted to prevent such drastic actions in the future? And most importantly, will the safety of players who speak out be ensured?

For now, Mohammad Mithun’s dignified stance and the backing of allies like Shanian Taneem have shone a spotlight on a crucial moment in Bangladeshi cricket. How the BCB responds in the long run will determine whether this episode leads to meaningful change — or simply becomes another flashpoint in the game’s turbulent administration.