A questionable election, withdrawal from the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, and the resignation of Director Mokhlesur Rahman Shamim as Chairman of the Audit Committee following fixing allegations, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has seen its share of ups and downs.
Meanwhile, following the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the newly elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party government has formed its cabinet, signaling potential changes for the country’s sports fraternity.
Over the years, government changes have often been followed by shifts in BCB leadership. Could the board be facing an overhaul this time?
Newly appointed State Minister of Youth and Sports Aminul Haque hinted after taking oath on Tuesday, “I have said before, and I am saying again, that the Cricket Board election is a questionable one. The issues will be reviewed in accordance with ICC regulations.:”
Aminul who was vocal regarding the controversial BCB election further added, “After sitting down for discussions with them, we will decide how to move forward in order to reach a better position.”
The BCB election remains a flashpoint. Five days before the October 6 election, former national captain Tamim Iqbal withdrew his nomination for a director’s post, joining 15 others in protesting what they described as government interference and the suspension of 15 third-division clubs’ councillorships through an opaque process.
“This is not really an election. It does not align with cricket in any way,” Tamim said at the time.
42 clubs have boycotted the current BCB board and filed legal action, arguing that the constitution was bypassed in securing councillor nominations. Although a court declared the process illegal, the election proceeded after a High Court stay order. Organizers say they will revive the cases to annul the current committee. A verdict is pending.
On the matter, BCB director Rahat Shams told Times of Bangladesh that despite the history of political influence on the board, actions must follow the constitution.
He said, “While changes in government are a democratic process, national sports federations, including the cricket board, operate under their own constitutions and internationally recognized governance frameworks. In the case of cricket, compliance with ICC regulations and principles of autonomous governance is essential to protect the country’s standing in global cricket.”
Rahat, chairman of BCB’s Bangladesh Tigers Programme, added, “Institutional continuity and stability are essential to meet international obligations, maintain credibility, protect participation rights, and ensure uninterrupted development. Any perception of instability or interference can create international complications and harm long-term interests. Governance issues should be addressed strictly within constitutional processes, prioritising the institution’s integrity, neutrality, and sustainable growth regardless of political change.”
Former BCB director Sirajuddin Alamgir echoed the point, saying the government has no power to dissolve the current board. “There is no constitutional provision to dissolve the leadership group. However, a court ruling on the recent election is still pending. If the verdict goes against the BCB, the councillors and directors could be declared invalid, leaving the board vacant. What happens next will be decided by the Ministry of Sports.”
Referring to 2007, Siraj recalled, “A similar situation occurred in 2007. At that time, all the directors resigned and an ad-hoc committee was formed. The ministry has the authority to do that. The board still has to function. If a verdict declares the board and its directors invalid, the board will become vacant.”
He added, “To run the board in that case, an ad-hoc committee will be formed. After that, whatever steps are required under the constitution will be carried out. The board cannot simply be dissolved by force at will. That is not the proper process.”
Attempts to reach BCB Vice-President Shakhawat Hossain over phone and WhatsApp were unsuccessful.
Regarding expectations from the sports ministry, Rahat Shams emphasized stability. “From the perspective of national sports federations, the primary expectation from the newly elected government is continuity, stability, and constructive engagement in the development of sports across the country.”
He also highlighted infrastructure and development concerns. “Another important area is infrastructure utilization and maintenance. Many stadiums, mini stadiums, and playing fields remain underused due to inadequate maintenance, limited budgets, and lack of structured programming, leaving athletes without proper facilities.”
