Alleging government interference and irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, 40 clubs from three divisions of the country have announced a boycott of all forms of domestic cricket competitions. Among these clubs are several top-tier teams from Dhaka.
At a press conference held on Wednesday at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, organiser Rafiqul Babu, speaking on behalf of the clubs, declared their collective withdrawal from all domestic cricket tournaments in protest against what they describe as a flawed election process.
Present at the event were former national team captain Tamim Iqbal, Mohammedan Sporting Club official Masuduzzaman, and sports organiser Abdullah Al Fuad Redwan, among others.
Speaking about the boycott, Mohammedan councillor Masuduzzaman said, “We will not play. This boycott is not limited to Dhaka — it extends to the district level as well.”
He also stated that they do not recognise newly elected BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul and have no intention of sitting for any discussions with him.
“We have nothing to talk about. We do not acknowledge this election. He is an illegitimate president. How can he deny us as clubs or organisers?” Masuduzzaman added.
Tamim Iqbal also spoke to the media, raising concerns about the election process. He suggested that had he run for the position, he would have emerged victorious.
“If I had contested, I would have won,” Tamim said.
