BCB Warns Players: You Will Lose Money, Not Board, If Bangladesh Pulls Out of T20 World Cup

Key Takeaways:

• Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) states players, not the board, will suffer financial losses if the team boycotts the T20 World Cup.
• The warning follows a dispute over pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s revoked IPL No Objection Certificate (NOC).
• BCB Chairman Jalal Yunus clarified the board will receive ICC participation fees regardless.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has issued a direct financial warning to its national team players amid a growing dispute. The board stated that if the team decides to pull out of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, the players will bear the financial brunt, not the cricket board.

The Mustafizur Rahman NOC Controversy

The stern message comes after a row with left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. The BCB had initially granted him a No Objection Certificate to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL until May 1. However, the board later revoked the NOC, ordering his return to prepare for Bangladesh’s series against Zimbabwe and the T20 World Cup.

This move reportedly led to discussions among senior players about a potential World Cup boycott in solidarity with Mustafizur.

BCB’s Financial Stance: “Players Will Lose”

BCB cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus addressed the speculation head-on. He made it clear the board’s finances are protected by ICC agreements.

“If they (players) do not go to the World Cup, they (players) will lose financially, not the BCB. The BCB will not be affected. The ICC will give the participation money to the BCB. The BCB will not lose anything,” Yunus told Cricbuzz.

He emphasized that representing the national team is the players’ primary income source. A boycott would directly impact their earnings, not the board’s revenue.

“The players’ main income is playing for the national team. If they don’t play, they will lose. The BCB will get the participation fee from the ICC. So, the players should think about it,” he added.

Franchise vs Country Tension

The BCB’s hardline position highlights the ongoing global tension between national boards and players over commitments to franchise T20 leagues versus international duty.

Mustafizur Rahman, a key performer for CSK this IPL season, has already returned to Bangladesh. He is expected to join the national team’s training camp for the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and USA from June 1-29.

Bangladesh is placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Nepal for the tournament.