Mehidy Hasan Miraz Slams BCB, Says Dressing Room ‘Deeply Disappointed’ Amid Pay Controversy

Mehidy Hasan Miraz had criticised recent comments from within the Bangladesh Cricket Board, saying they hurt players and created a misleading narrative about how cricketers earn their money.

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz strongly criticised recent remarks made by members of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), stating that such comments had left the dressing room “deeply disappointed” and had fuelled a harmful public narrative about players’ earnings.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Miraz addressed the growing controversy involving BCB director and finance committee chair M Nazmul Islam. The issue escalated after Nazmul’s recent remarks, which included a controversial “Indian agent” jibe at Tamim Iqbal and claims that players would suffer financially if Bangladesh did not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The comments triggered sharp backlash from players and their representatives.

“We always say the board is our guardian. When comments like these come from them, it is deeply disappointing for us,” Miraz said.

Miraz also pushed back against a recurring accusation that surfaces whenever results decline — that Bangladesh cricketers live off taxpayers’ money. He rejected that narrative firmly. “That’s not how it works at all,” he explained.

“The money the board has today is the result of every match played wearing the Bangladesh jersey. It’s earned through the hard work of players. Everyone has a rightful share in it,” Miraz said.

The all-rounder stressed that the issue goes beyond a single remark and touches on basic economics and mutual respect. He underlined that the board’s financial stability is directly linked to cricket being played and players performing at a level that keeps the sport commercially viable.

“We play ICC tournaments and that’s why we are earning money. 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 added.

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The controversy has also reached the players’ association. The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has publicly demanded Nazmul Islam’s resignation and warned of a possible boycott if the situation is not resolved, raising tensions ahead of important fixtures.

The timing of the dispute is particularly sensitive. Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup campaign is already surrounded by uncertainty over venues, travel, and safety concerns, keeping the team in the headlines for administrative reasons rather than on-field performances. In such a climate, Miraz said, comments from senior officials carry extra weight.

“This isn’t just a personal issue. It’s embarrassing for the entire sports arena. I don’t know whether those comments were made knowingly or unknowingly, but from someone in that position, such remarks are simply unacceptable,” he said.