Sports journalists collectively boycotted the final of the Adommo T20 Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, protesting against what they described as an infringement on press freedom. The boycott was triggered by a recent incident during the tournament, in which the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) allegedly threatened to revoke the accreditation of a photojournalist from a leading national English daily.
The controversy began on the second day of the tournament, 6 February, when Tanvin Tamim, a photojournalist for the Daily Sun, photographed three BCB directors—Faruk Ahmed, Khaled Masud Pilot, and M Nazmul—inside the BCB President’s Box. The image, which appeared alongside a caption hinting at a subtle disagreement between Nazmul and the other two directors, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread commentary and debate.
BCB did not receive the publication of the photograph well. On 7 February, the day after the photo was published, the board issued an email to Tamim warning him against taking such photographs in the future and hinting at the potential withdrawal of his media accreditation. Journalists perceived this action as an attempt to curb independent reporting within the cricketing arena.
In response, sports journalists convened a brief meeting on Monday, 9 February, ahead of the final match. They decided to boycott the match and demonstrate their protest visibly. Before the game commenced, journalists placed a banner on the roof of the press box, stating:
“Journalism is not a crime. We are sports journalists; do not try to silence us.”
The boycott left the press box notably empty during the highly anticipated final, a move many have described as a significant statement in defence of journalistic freedom. Media analysts and sports commentators suggest that this could mark a turning point in the relationship between cricket authorities and the press, emphasising the need for clear guidelines on media access and rights within sports events.
Timeline of Events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 6 February | Photo of BCB directors taken by Tanvin Tamim during the Adommo T20 Cup. |
| 7 February | BCB issues email warning to Tamim; threatens accreditation withdrawal. |
| 9 February | Sports journalists hold a brief meeting; boycott the final and display protest banner. |
The protest has sparked discussion across the country about press freedom in sports journalism, highlighting concerns over the autonomy and safety of media professionals covering major sporting events. Experts have called for the BCB and other sports authorities to ensure a professional environment where journalists can work independently without fear of reprisal.
The Mirpur incident underscores a broader debate on the balance between authority and media freedom in Bangladesh’s sporting institutions, with the potential to influence policy and set precedent for future tournaments.