Bangladesh Cricket Welfare Association (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun has revealed that he has been receiving death threats during the ongoing battle between the players and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The players recently boycotted the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches following BCB director Najmul Islam’s disparaging remarks against the international players.
Mohammed Mithun, president of the CWAB, confirmed the boycott decision just hours after Najmul Islam spoke to the media. Najmul questioned the deployment of the national stars, which drew strong reactions from the players. Controversy erupted when the BCB director claimed that some national players failed to justify the support and resources invested in them.
However, amid the tussle between the players and the board, Mithun has now revealed that he has been receiving death threats.
“It’s true (that I’ve received death threats) and I’ve never experienced anything like that. It’s the first time in my life. I don’t remember ever being involved in controversial talk. It’s over my head – when have I ever spoken against the country?” Mithuna was quoted by Cricbuzz.
Mithun said that the situation was confusing for him as he did not go against the ground and only stood up for the players.
“I don’t know how to put it or describe it because it’s happening to me for the first time. I didn’t use any word that would go against the country; I only spoke for the sake of cricket and the players. There is no personal issue here. As I am the president of the organization, if I don’t talk about the rights of the players, what is the point of me being in this country,” he added.
He also mentioned that he did not inform the board or legal authorities about the threats and claimed that other players had received similar messages.
“No, I didn’t inform the board. To be honest, I don’t pick up calls from unknown numbers on my cell phone. But I can’t stop messages or voice notes on WhatsApp. That’s where they asked me about it. It’s not just me; my number is available to people because it goes to the press on behalf of the CWAB. That’s why I get more calls and messages. But I’ve also heard from other players in different ways and what threats I’ve heard.” yet to talk about it,” said Mithun.
BCB issues statement on Najmula’s statements
Meanwhile, in response to the players’ backlash, the BCB issued a statement expressing regret and stressing that Najmul’s comments did not reflect the board’s values or its official position.
“The BCB does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement unless it is formally issued through a designated board spokesperson or the media and communications department. The players remain at the core of Bangladesh cricket and their contributions and welfare remain the highest priority,” the BCB statement said.
This is not the first time that Najmul has found himself in controversy, as he earlier referred to former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal as an Indian agent after Tamim advised BCB not to act in haste regarding their participation in the T20 World Cup following the row with Mustafizur Rahman.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
January 17, 2026