'If I don't speak for players, there's no point being president' - Mithun

The Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun looked visibly drained after a turbulent 48 hours that followed a public swipe from BCB director Najmul Islam, triggering a players' boycott threat and the postponement of BPL games scheduled for January 15. After intense negotiations, CWAB eventually relented following Najmul's removal.

Mithun, who recently took charge as CWAB president, spoke to Cricbuzz about the compromise, the threats he has received, and the pressure of leading players through a crisis.

Excerpts:

Do you feel things went the way you wanted?

No. Not everything went as we wanted. But for the sake of cricket and thinking about every player, we had to compromise on some things. We were very strict in the beginning, there's no point in denying that we couldn't stay firm until the end, but we always wanted the game to happen. When we saw that if we remained stubborn the game wouldn't happen at all, we had to give in some areas.

Do you trust the commitments made to CWAB?

Yes, definitely. We want to believe it. If they don't, it would be a betrayal to the players because they gave us a commitment for the sake of the BPL. But ultimately, we didn't just speak for the BPL; we spoke for cricket as a whole. Since the BPL is going on, a decision was needed immediately to keep it running. And they couldn't get what we wanted immediately.

What is the situation with Najmul Islam now?

They said they haven't been able to reach Nazmul Bhai. He's not picking up anyone's phone. They've sent him a letter; if he doesn't reply within two days, they already have a committee formed. They've started the process and will implement it as early as possible.

CWAB also raised issues around Dhaka First Division cricket, women players' safety, and clarity on players excluded from the BPL draft. What was the response?

They have no problem with those. My point was that you can't delay this. They said the matter of the first division is already set for the 25th. Other matters will be made "visible" - meaning action will be taken - as early as possible.

Reports suggest you have received life threats. Is that true?

It's true and I've never had an experience like this. It's the first time in my life. I don't remember ever being involved in controversial talk. It's going over my head - when have I ever spoken against the country?

How has that affected you mentally?

I don't know how to take this or describe it as it happens with me for the first time. I haven't used any word that goes against the country; I only spoke for the interest of cricket and the players. There is no personal issue here. Since I'm the president of an organization, if I don't talk about players' rights, what's the point of me being in this position? No one is above the country.

Have you informed the BCB or law enforcement agencies?

No, I haven't informed the board. To be honest, I am not picking up calls from unknown numbers on my mobile. But I can't stop messages or voice notes on WhatsApp. I was asked about this there. It's not just me; my number is available to people because it goes to the press on behalf of CWAB. That's why I receive more (calls and messages). But I've heard from other players too that they have received threats, different ways and types of threats. I haven't talked to the board about this yet.

To be honest, I haven't experienced this kind of "ball" before, so I don't know how to play it. I've played bouncers, half-volleys, and good-length balls, but I haven't played this kind of ball. So I don't know what my reaction should be. I don't even know how to take help from law enforcement because I have never gone to a police station for any legal matter in my life.

There is a perception that Tamim Iqbal runs CWAB from behind the scenes...

This thing is actually very embarrassing for me. The thing is, when CWAB was formed, it wasn't just Tamim bhai involved. From Mithu bhai to Selim Shahed bhai, Rahul bhai, Shuvo bhai - everyone from seniors to juniors was involved. In the interest of cricketers, Tamim Bhai also came. He gave his vote. After that, when I became president, he gave me his best wishes; that's all. After that, Tamim bhai has no right to give any decision regarding CWAB. CWAB can never run on his decision. It works for the interests and rights of the players. If it is for the welfare of the players, he can give advice as a senior brother, but he cannot play any role in decision-making. That is not possible. This is a wrong concept people have.

Was there a point where CWAB decided to play but Tamim blocked it?

No, we never took a decision that we wouldn't play. You would have known if something like that happened. Many players were there. And it's very natural that if 100 people gather in one place, the opinions of those 100 people won't be the same. You have to look at the priority. If 60 out of 100 people say "yes," I have to go with that. You will never get 100% support for anything because there are many junior players who want to say something but can't, out of fear. Many players think about their own security. But at the end of the day, I have to talk about what the majority of cricketers want. I can't go with what 3 out of 10 people want; I have to stand by the decision that the other 7 want.

With the World Cup approaching, does CWAB have a stance?

We definitely want player safety and security. We never want anyone to go and play under a life threat. We don't want that. But at the same time, we want the player to play in the World Cup because a World Cup is a World Cup. I believe the board and the Government will take a decision keeping the players' welfare in mind.

Could this situation have been avoided with a more proactive board?

Look, Mithu bhai admitted their mistake in the press today. He accepted that it was their mistake. When someone admits a mistake, I don't think we should dwell on it. But we definitely want the board to be more proactive next time. Look, as I know our board has enough man power, there are people who can play the proactive role on these matters. If everyone is a bit more responsible and monitors things seriously, I think we can avoid these unwanted incidents.