DHAKA: Former Bangladesh skipper and one of the country’s greatest openers Tamim Iqbal has been appointed head of an ad-hoc committee to run the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), replacing Aminul Islam Bulbul after the National Sports Council (NSC) dissolved the existing board over irregularities in last year’s elections.
The decision follows a government-ordered probe into the October 6 polls, where a five-member investigation committee found multiple discrepancies, including allegations of manipulation, misconduct and abuse of authority. Based on its recommendations, the previous board was removed and an interim 11-member body was put in place, with Tamim at the helm.
At 37, Tamim becomes the youngest individual to lead the BCB in this capacity. His appointment is being viewed as a significant administrative reset for Bangladesh cricket, coming at a time when the board has been grappling with instability and questions over governance.
The interim panel includes former Bangladesh captain Minhajul Abedin and former international cricketer-turned-commentator Athar Ali Khan, along with Rashna Imam, Mirza Yeasir Abbas, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Israfil Khasru, Tanjil Chowdhury, Salman Ispahani, Rafiqul Islam and Fahim Sinha.
The move also aligns with the broader approach of the newly-elected government led by Tarique Rahman, which has been looking to stabilise cricket administration while cautiously working to improve sporting ties with India. As part of that effort, the BCB has reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to explore the resumption of bilateral series.
Concerns over the election process had surfaced well before the polls, with Tamim and several Dhaka-based club representatives alleging undue influence. Questions were also raised about Aminul Islam Bulbul’s role, including claims that he had sought changes to councillor lists and presided over multiple deadline extensions for nominations. Tamim eventually withdrew from the race on October 1, while Aminul had denied all allegations at the time.
At a media briefing, officials confirmed that the findings of the investigation had been shared with the International Cricket Council (ICC), along with details of the interim committee. Aminul Ehsan, Director of Sports at the NSC, reiterated that the decision was taken to restore transparency and credibility in the board’s functioning.
The developments come amid a period of turbulence within the BCB. Aminul had earlier expressed his intent to continue as president despite mounting scrutiny, but pressure from the sports ministry intensified following concerns over the legitimacy of the elections, Bangladesh’s absence from the recent T20 World Cup, and allegations of political interference.
The situation has also been marked by a string of resignations, with four directors stepping down last week, taking the total number of exits since January to six. With Tamim now leading the interim setup, the focus will be on restoring stability within the board and steering Bangladesh cricket through a phase of administrative transition.
Agencies