The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to hold its General Council elections on 6 October, but the process has been marred by legal complications and mounting criticism. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who had previously accused the government of interfering in the election, has now withdrawn his candidacy along with 11 others.
The individuals who have withdrawn their nominations are Tamim Iqbal, Rafiqul Islam Babu of Indira Krira Chakra, Masuduzzaman of Mohammedan SC, Saeed Ibrahim Ahmed of Fair Fighters, Mir Helal of Chattogram District, Syed Burhan Hossain Pappu of Tejgaon Cricket Academy, Israfil Khasru of Exium Cricketers, Sabbir Ahmed Rubel of Progoti Seba Sangha, Touhid Tarek of Pabna, Asif Rabbani of Shinepukur, Siraj Uddin Mohammad Alamgir representing Category 3, and Yasir Abbas of Azad Sporting.
In announcing his withdrawal, Tamim issued a scathing critique of the election process. “You ask to stop fixing in cricket, but first stop the fixing in the election. This was not an election, it will remain a black mark on Bangladesh cricket. Everything is being manipulated around the BCB election. This cannot be called a fair process,” he said.
Tamim had earlier voiced his discontent when 15 clubs were excluded from the draft voters’ list. Although these clubs were later included in the final list, the situation escalated after the High Court issued an injunction based on a writ petition filed by former BCB president Faruk Ahmed. The court barred the clubs, which had been promoted from the Third Division, from participating in the election due to eligibility concerns.
As a result, councillors from these clubs have been disqualified from voting. This development has sparked significant dissatisfaction among organisers from the affected clubs. In protest against what is perceived as government interference, candidates from around 10 to 12 clubs are reportedly planning to withdraw. A final decision is expected after an emergency meeting scheduled for tonight.
According to the election timetable, tomorrow, 2 October, is the last day for nomination withdrawal. The Election Commission is expected to announce the final list of candidates on the same day.
The clubs barred from participating, as per the court order, are Exium Cricketers, Dhaka Cricket Academy, Mohammed Cricket Club, Nawabganj Cricket Coaching Academy, Purbachal Sporting Club, Gulshan Cricket Club, Old Dhaka Cricketers, Vikings Cricket Academy, Banani Cricket Club, Nakhalpara Cricketers, Mohakhali Cricket Academy, Dhanmondi Cricket Club, Pacific Cricket Club, Sapphire Sporting Club and Alpha Sporting Club.
