Former youth and sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has alleged that a prominent cricketer is engaged in lobbying efforts to prevent the International Cricket Council (ICC) from taking action over moves to dissolve the current board of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The present BCB board took office following elections held in October during Bhuiyan’s tenure. However, those elections have been under scrutiny since, amid allegations of “blatant government interference” and procedural irregularities.
Last month, the National Sports Council formed an inquiry committee to investigate claims of manipulation and misconduct. The committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge AKM Asaduzzaman, submitted its findings on Sunday.
In a series of social media posts following the report, Bhuiyan claimed that an unnamed high-profile cricketer had been attempting to influence international opinion.
“A prominent cricketer is lobbying to ensure that the ICC does not take any measures against the unlawful process of dissolving the board,” he wrote.
He further alleged that the cricketer recently met former BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon in London, seeking assistance in arranging a meeting with ICC chairman Jay Shah.
Bhuiyan also claimed that similar efforts had been made in the past, including attempts to reach Jay Shah through India international Virat Kohli during the BCB election period.
According to him, the objective of such lobbying is to avoid potential ICC sanctions, including financial penalties, over alleged political interference. He pointed to previous instances where the ICC took firm action against other boards, including Sri Lanka, on similar grounds.
The former adviser also raised questions over whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was aware of the developments.
“Is the government aware of these matters, or is everything being carried out collectively?” he questioned.
Earlier, the inquiry committee noted that Bhuiyan had been invited to provide testimony but did not appear. Responding to this, he outlined several objections to the process.
Bhuiyan argued that the investigation lacked jurisdiction over an autonomous body like the BCB and claimed that the committee’s mandate had effectively predetermined its conclusions. He further stated that the matter is currently sub judice in the High Court, making the investigation and participation in it potentially a contempt of court.
He also alleged undue pressure on board directors, claiming that officials were being coerced into resigning through promises of future positions or threats.
“I sought clarification on whether the committee had the authority to investigate a matter under judicial consideration and involving an autonomous institution. I received no satisfactory response. I will not knowingly be part of any irregular or contemptuous process,” he said.
