Bangladesh Cricketer Strongly Responds to Board Remarks
Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has delivered a powerful response to recent comments from Bangladesh Cricket Board officials. He stated these remarks have left the national team dressing room feeling deeply disappointed. Miraz emphasized they have created a misleading narrative about how professional cricketers receive their compensation.
Press Conference Addresses Controversial Statements
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Miraz directly addressed comments made by BCB director and finance committee chair M Nazmul Islam. The official had called former captain Tamim Iqbal an Indian agent. He also suggested players would face financial consequences if Bangladesh did not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled for India.
Miraz offered clear criticism of these statements. We always say the board is our guardian, he explained. When comments like these come from them, it is deeply disappointing for us. The cricketer stressed this issue goes beyond one isolated comment. It touches on fundamental matters of respect and the financial structure of professional sports.
Correcting the Record on Player Earnings
Miraz firmly pushed back against recurring claims that cricketers live off taxpayers money. That's not how it works at all, he stated plainly. The money the board has today is the result of every match played wearing the Bangladesh jersey.
He elaborated on the financial mechanics of cricket. It's earned through the hard work of players, Miraz continued. Everyone has a rightful share in it. We play ICC tournaments and that's why we are earning money.
The all-rounder provided a straightforward explanation. If cricket doesn't happen, sponsors won't come. ICC revenue won't come either. The board stands where it does today because players go out and play. He concluded this point with a definitive statement. No, we earn our money by playing cricket.
Broader Impact and Player Association Response
Miraz highlighted the wider consequences of such public remarks. This isn't just a personal issue, he noted. It's embarrassing for the entire sports arena. He expressed uncertainty about the intent behind the comments. I don't know whether those comments were made knowingly or unknowingly, Miraz said. But from someone in that position, such remarks are simply unacceptable.
The controversy has now reached the players association level. The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh has called for Nazmul's resignation. They have warned about potential boycott actions if tensions continue to escalate without resolution.
Acknowledging Professional Criticism
Miraz acknowledged that criticism comes naturally with professional sports. If we don't perform, we will be criticised, he stated. There isn't a single cricketer who hasn't faced criticism after poor performance. However, he distinguished between performance-based criticism and comments questioning player integrity and financial arrangements.
Through his statements, Miraz defended the professionalism and dedication of Bangladesh's national cricketers. He clarified the actual source of cricket revenue while expressing disappointment at the board's public communication.
