‘We are acting,’ Bangladesh Test captain’s distress call World-Cup controversy:Najmul Hossain shames BCB director over ‘Indian agent’ remark

Bangladesh Test skipper Najmul Hossain has given brute response to the heated atmosphere around the Mustafizur controversy and events unfolding from it. Particularly, he has commented on the stressful situation of Bangladeshi cricketers, along with the ‘Indian agent’ comment from a former BCB director. While speaking to the reporters on Friday, Najmul hinted that players are acting like ‘everything is ok’. However, they are mentally quite drained over the ongoing controversy surrounding the ICC T20 World Cup. He explained what players are going through amid World Cup venue controversy. ‘We are acting’: Bangladesh Test skipper explains trauma amid controversy Amid uncertainty around Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup, Najmul Hossain said that the cricketers are having sleepless nights over the issue. In a blunt interaction with the reporters, Najmul said, “First of all, if you look at our World Cup results, we’ve never really played consistently good cricket. (Also) Something always happens before every World Cup. I can say this from my experience of three World Cups – it does have an effect.” Further adding how cricketers are handling the pressure, Bangladesh Test skipper added, “Now, we act as if nothing affects us, that we are fully professional cricketers. You guys also understand that we are acting – it’s not easy. I feel that players still try to keep those distractions aside and perform for the team. Of course, it would be better if these things didn’t happen, but this is partly beyond our control.” However, Najmul focused on the positives, emphasising doing what’s best for the team. But he still mentioned that in such circumstances, even “acting (is difficult).” In addition to the ongoing row, Najmul Hossain commented on the fresh controversy around Tamim Iqbal being called ‘Indian agent.’ ‘I cannot accept such a comment’: Najmul Hossain shames BCB director’s remark Najmul added that he is quite hurt by the social media comment made by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Najmul Islam about former captain Tamim Iqbal, calling it disrespectful, unacceptable and damaging to the game. The Test skipper said, “Very sad, very sad because such comments were made about a cricketer, a former captain. As players, we expect respect – whether someone is a former captain, a regular player, successful or not. At the end of the day, a cricketer hopes for respect.” He further added, “What hurts most is that the cricket board is supposed to be our guardian. We expect them to protect us. As a player, I cannot accept such a comment.” BCB director came under fire from different corners, and Najmul insisted that he was deeply hurt by the remark. Notably, Najmul Islam called Tamim “Indian agent” after the latter urged the BCB to prioritise cricket when deciding on T20 World Cup participation.