Pakistan, Jan. 15 -- Bangladesh cricket faced turmoil on Thursday as players boycotted the first Bangladesh Premier League match. They demanded BCB Director Najmul Islam resign. The action followed controversial remarks against national cricketers that sparked outrage nationwide.

The boycott delayed the opening game between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Players refused to appear for the toss. The Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh called for a nationwide cricket boycott until Islam resigns.

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The controversy began after Najmul Islam, the BCB finance committee chairman, said players should return "crores and crores of taka"...