A major shift may be underway at the top of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), with growing speculation surrounding the future of current president Faruq Ahmed. Is he stepping down voluntarily, or is he being asked to make way? The question is now at the center of intense discussion in the country’s sports circles.
According to reliable sources, Faruq met with Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan at his Dhanmondi residence on Wednesday night. During the meeting, Faruq was reportedly informed that the government wants a change in the leadership of the BCB.
However, no clear reason was provided for this move. In a brief comment to a national daily, Faruq confirmed the meeting took place but declined to share details of the discussion.
Due to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) regulations, direct government interference in the operations of cricket boards is not allowed. Since the BCB president is an elected position, Faruq cannot be removed outright—he must resign voluntarily if a transition is to proceed smoothly.
While it is possible to replace him as an NSC-nominated director, removing him from the presidency could create legal complications and breach ICC protocols. Sources say Faruq has requested two days to consider his decision. If he chooses to resign willingly, a leadership transition could happen quickly and without international consequences.
Within cricket circles, there is speculation that former national team captain Aminul Islam Bulbul is being considered for an interim leadership role. His current assignment with the ICC ends next month, which aligns with the government’s timing for change.
However, the current BCB constitution does not allow for direct appointments to the presidency or the formation of an interim committee, leaving the situation legally complex and unresolved.
In addition, Bulbul is reportedly being considered for the position of BCB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), although he is said to have demanded a monthly salary of around 1.2 million BDT—double that of the current CEO. While this has not been confirmed, it has sparked internal discussions within the board.
A separate source confirmed that Aminul Islam was not present at the meeting with the sports adviser.
The BCB’s leadership crisis raises a critical question—how will this play out? If Faruq does not step down willingly, the matter could spiral into a deeper conflict, potentially affecting the administrative stability and international reputation of Bangladesh cricket.
