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Bangladesh Cricketers’ Welfare Association (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun has said he received death threats after speaking out in defence of national team players who were criticised by a senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Mithun said Bangladesh players are keen to take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins early next month, but are deeply concerned about their safety. Citing security fears, Bangladesh has sought to have its matches shifted from India to Sri Lanka.

The controversy erupted after BCB director Najmul Islam reportedly warned that players would not be paid if Bangladesh withdrew from the World Cup, claiming they had little justification for compensation. The remarks led to players boycotting matches in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

“I’ve never had an experience like this before. It’s the first time in my life,” Mithun said. “I have never spoken against the country. I only spoke for the interest of cricket and the players.”

He said the threats have come through calls, messages and WhatsApp voice notes. “I’m not picking up calls from unknown numbers, but I can’t stop messages or voice notes. It’s not just me—other players have also received threats in different forms,” he said.

Mithun added that he has not yet informed the BCB about the threats and is unsure how to approach law enforcement. “I have never gone to a police station for any legal matter in my life,” he said.

Emphasising player welfare, Mithun said no one should be expected to play under fear. “We want the players to play in the World Cup because a World Cup is a World Cup. But we don’t want anyone to play under a life threat. I believe the board and the government will take a decision keeping the players’ safety and welfare in mind,” he said.