Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has refused to resign despite pressure from the country’s sports ministry. After a meeting with sports adviser Asif Mahmud, Faruque was advised not to continue in his role. However, Faruque, a former Bangladesh captain, remains firm in his stance, stating, “I am an elected board president, and I will not resign.”
Faruque was appointed BCB president on August 21 following the fall of the Awami League government in Bangladesh. His election followed nominations by the National Sports Council. However, his tenure has been tumultuous, marked by controversies, including the removal of head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and his handling of corruption allegations in Bangladesh’s domestic leagues.
Faruque’s leadership has faced criticism for various reasons, including a public fallout with Fahim Abedeen, another BCB director. He also faced backlash for his handling of the Bangladesh Premier League corruption issues and a clash with the sports adviser’s secretary.
Aminul Islam Emerges as Front-Runner for BCB Presidency
While the sports ministry has not yet officially announced a replacement for Faruque, Aminul Islam, Bangladesh’s first Test centurion, has emerged as the preferred choice for the role. Aminul, who currently works as the ICC’s development manager in Melbourne, has agreed to take on a role in the BCB following discussions with the ministry. Aminul is expected to attend the board’s directors’ meeting in Dhaka on Saturday, where Faruque might step down.
The sports ministry is pushing for Aminul to serve as BCB president until the next election, set for October 2025. Aminul, who previously led Bangladesh during the 1999 World Cup, expressed his willingness to contribute, saying, “When a country needs a soldier, you don’t think about salary or self-interest. Serving the nation comes first.”
Aminul, who made history as Bangladesh’s first Test centurion against India in 2000, has had a distinguished career in cricket, including roles as a coach and match referee with the ACC and ICC.
Final Thoughts
As the tension around the BCB presidency continues, Faruque Ahmed remains defiant, while Aminul Islam is ready to take on a leadership role to steer Bangladesh cricket towards a brighter future. The BCB’s next steps will be pivotal as the country aims for growth in the cricketing world.
