Financial Independence: BCB Finance Chief says boycotting India World Cup won’t hurt board’s revenue
Financial Independence: BCB Finance Chief says boycotting India World Cup won’t hurt board’s revenue
By Nawaz Gohar ; In a bold assertion of financial stability, Nazmul Hussain, Head of the Finance Committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), stated that the board will not suffer any direct financial loss if the national team refuses to participate in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in India.
Speaking to the media, Nazmul Hussain clarified that the BCB does not receive direct financial dividends based on tournament participation. Consequently, a boycott would not deplete the board’s treasury. However, he acknowledged that the players would be the primary losers in this scenario, as they would forfeit their individual match fees and tournament bonuses.
“The board spends millions on players despite poor performances, and we have never asked for that money back,” Hussain remarked, addressing the potential impact on athletes. He added firmly that the board would not compensate players for financial losses incurred due to the boycott, stating, “If the board itself isn’t protected, how can the players be?”
The Finance Chief revealed that the BCB’s revenue stream is secure through 2027, thanks to the ICC Finance Committee’s 2022 revenue-sharing model. While the immediate World Cup participation does not threaten the board’s bottom line, Hussain admitted that the issue could become significant regarding future World Cups, bilateral series, and other international events.
He also raised a critical concern regarding the “Future Tours Programme” (FTP), questioning whether international teams would continue to tour Bangladesh if the current diplomatic and security impasse persists.
The BCB’s hardened stance follows the controversial release of star pacer Mustafizur Rahman by the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following alleged threats from extremist elements. In response, the BCB has formally requested the ICC to relocate World Cup matches out of India and has reached a preliminary decision not to send the team across the border due to safety concerns.
