Clashes erupt outside Mirpur stadium as fans ‘vent anger’ over player boycott

Frustrated fans turn to vandalism outside the stadium after scheduled matches are postponed

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) fans have “vented their anger” outside the stadium following a decision by cricketers to boycott matches, demanding the removal of Bangladesh Cricket Board Director M Najmul Islam.

What began as a “dispute” between authorities and spectators arriving at the Mirpur Cricket Stadium on Thursday afternoon escalated into back-and-forth chases involving law-enforcing agencies by the end of the day.

Witnesses said that "agitated spectators" carried out acts of vandalism outside the ground after the scheduled BPL matches failed to take place.

As the scheduled start time for the afternoon match passed, a significant number of onlookers attempted to force their way into the stadium.

The unrest escalated into a “scuffle” when the second match of the day also failed to commence, forcing fans to shout slogans against the BCB.

The situation deteriorated as protesters pelted the zone with stones and bricks, tearing down banners and billboards outside the venue.

Security personnel intervened to bring the situation under control, leading to “pitched battles” between the two sides. The officers also allegedly used batons to disperse the angry crowds during the confrontation.

According to Mirpur Model Police Station chief Mohammad Golam Azam, the situation eventually stabilised after the crowds left at one point.

The officer noted that spectators had caused “repeated disturbances” from the afternoon until 6:15pm.

"The situation is currently back to normal. No arrests were made during the incident,” he added.

The cricketers had reiterated on Thursday that they remain "steadfast" in their decision to boycott all matches until Najmul resigns.

Despite the BCB removing Najmul from his position as chairman of the Finance Committee in response to the crisis, the players ignored the board’s call to return to the field for the day's second fixture.

Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the players, Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), said simply removing Najmul from a specific committee was insufficient.

He emphasised that the players are demanding a guarantee of his total resignation from the board.

The Dhaka leg of the BPL was scheduled to begin on Thursday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The opening fixture was due to be contested between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express, followed by a second match between Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans.