Former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has firmly denied any involvement in the reported letter sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC) by former BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul, saying he has no knowledge of the matter.
Faruque, who took charge of the BCB following the July movement before later losing the presidency midway through his tenure, was subsequently appointed vice-president under Bulbul’s administration. That board, however, was dissolved before completing its term following a series of allegations, paving the way for the Tamim Iqbal-led ad hoc committee and later an elected board.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Faruque dismissed suggestions linking him to the reported communication with the ICC.
“I know absolutely nothing about any letter sent to the ICC,” he said. “I haven’t even had the time to read it properly because I’ve been busy. I want to make it clear that I have no knowledge of this matter.”
Faruque suggested his name is often dragged into controversies despite having no involvement.
“Whenever something happens, people somehow connect me with it. Whether I’m part of it or not, certain vested interests try to involve me. That’s why I felt it was important to clarify my position. I know nothing about any letter sent to the ICC.”
The former BCB president also pointed out that he did not approach the ICC when he himself was removed from office, despite believing the process was flawed.
“I was also removed as BCB president, and I don’t think the procedure was handled properly,” he said. “Even then, I didn’t file a complaint with the ICC or send a single letter. So you can be fairly certain that I have no role in this issue.”
Asked whether the reported letter to the ICC had actually been sent, Faruque said he had only seen a copy recently but could not confirm whether it had reached the game’s governing body.
“I saw the letter the other day, line by line. It came to me point by point, but I haven’t read it in detail. Since I no longer have any connection with the ICC, I can’t say whether it was officially submitted.”
Faruque added that Bulbul was the appropriate person to explain the matter.
“Perhaps Aminul Islam Bulbul has issued a statement. He can clarify the issue himself. I have no information on whether the ICC received any letter.”
Responding to reports that members of Bulbul’s former board had endorsed the document, Faruque insisted his signature did not appear on it.
“I’ve already said there are signatures related to the High Court petition, but there is no signature from me on any letter to the ICC,” he said.
“I did not sign any separate document. If anyone can prove otherwise, I challenge them to produce it.”
