After a break of around one and a half months in Australia with his family, Aminul Islam Bulbul has returned home. The president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board came back on Sunday. Soon after landing, he went straight to the BCB office. He also met the cricketers at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
He returned at a time when the board is under focus. A recent press release from the BCB has drawn attention.
The National Sports Council has formed a five-member independent committee. The aim is to look into claims of irregularities in the last BCB election. In its statement, the board said this move could be seen by the International Cricket Council as outside interference. It also warned that this could affect the stability of cricket in the country. Bulbul was abroad at that time, so his reaction was not known earlier.
Speaking to several media outlets on Sunday, Bulbul said he does not see any division in the board. He also said there is no crisis, even after the recent resignations and the investigation.
When asked about the situation, he said, “I do not see any crisis anywhere. The board is running normally under its own rules. The national team is playing and the women’s team is preparing for matches against Sri Lanka. Overall, all activities are going on normally. There is no crisis anywhere. This is an elected committee. The board has been running for five and a half months. We do not expect such questions.”
He also spoke about the concerns raised over the investigation committee. The country’s first Test centurion said, “I think the explanation of the statement was a bit misunderstood. What is being said face to face is different. We are an autonomous organisation. When such an organisation works independently, it may be seen as government interference. If you look carefully at the statement, it said ‘may be’, that does not mean it has happened. The statement was given as a precaution.”
There had been many rumours about his return since February 16. Some even believed he might not come back. The reasons are linked to the last BCB election, which has faced many questions. A total of 19 candidates for director posts stepped down, citing possible manipulation.
This has also affected club cricket in Dhaka. As many as 42 clubs have boycotted tournaments under the board. The resignations of former directors Ishtiaque Sadeque and Amzad Hossain added to the concerns.
Around 50 club representatives, including former captain Tamim Iqbal, later wrote to the NSC. They asked for an investigation into the election. After that, the council formed the independent committee. It is now checking if there was any misuse of power or irregularities. The committee has already spoken to several directors and candidates.
On March 11, the NSC said the report would be ready within 15 working days. But the work could not finish on time due to Ramadan and Eid holidays. There is now talk that the current board could be dissolved if wrongdoing is found. A close source said an ad hoc committee may be formed in that case.
