‘If I don’t speak for players, there’s no point being president’: CWAB Chief Mithun on BPL Boycott Crisis

• What happened: Bangladesh Cricketers’ Welfare Association (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun led players through a crisis after BPL matches were postponed following a clash with BCB director Najmul Islam.

• Why it matters now: The episode highlights player safety concerns, threats to athletes, and governance challenges ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

• What changes for people: Players and fans see stronger advocacy for player welfare and the importance of transparent board-player communication.

• Who is affected: BPL players, CWAB members, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and cricket fans nationwide.

CWAB president Mohammad Mithun spoke exclusively about the intense 48 hours that shook the Bangladesh Premier League after public criticism from BCB director Najmul Islam threatened a players’ boycott. The standoff led to postponed matches on January 15 but was eventually resolved following Najmul’s removal.

Pressure and compromises
Mithun, who recently assumed the CWAB presidency, said the association initially took a firm stand but eventually compromised to ensure the league continued. “Not everything went as we wanted, but for the sake of cricket and all players, we had to find a middle ground,” he said.

Despite the compromise, Mithun remains committed to player rights and welfare, emphasizing that his role exists to protect players’ interests first, even under intense public scrutiny.

Threats and mental toll
The CWAB president revealed that he has received life threats during the controversy. “I’ve never faced anything like this before. I’ve only spoken for players, not against the country,” Mithun said, adding that he has not yet approached law enforcement due to the novelty of the situation for him.

CWAB’s stance on governance
Addressing rumors that former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal controls CWAB from behind the scenes, Mithun clarified that decision-making rests solely with the CWAB executive, and senior players can only offer advice. “CWAB works for the welfare and rights of cricketers. No individual has unilateral control,” he said.

World Cup and player safety
With the World Cup approaching, Mithun stressed that player security remains paramount. CWAB seeks to ensure that players never face life threats while playing, yet also supports participation in global tournaments.

Looking ahead
Mithun called for proactive oversight from the BCB to prevent similar crises. “If the board monitors situations responsibly, we can avoid these incidents,” he said, highlighting the need for better coordination between the board and players’ representatives.