BCB President Faruque Ahmed Asked to Step Down; Aminul Islam Likely Successor

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finds itself in a state of flux as its president, Faruque Ahmed, disclosed on Thursday that the government has requested his resignation. Authorities have indicated they wish to see him replaced.

Faruque, who took office on August 21 after Nazmul Hasan’s departure, was summoned on Wednesday by Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, the Youth and Sports Affairs Adviser.

Reportedly, Faruque was told that the government desires a change in leadership at the BCB.

Speaking with the press on Thursday, Faruque acknowledged the situation but stated he hasn’t made a final decision. “The adviser expressed their wish for me to leave my position. I am still considering my resignation. We shall see,” he commented.

This development places Bangladesh cricket in a precarious position. If Faruque is ousted without his voluntary resignation, it could be seen as governmental interference, a breach of International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations.

The ICC has previously suspended cricket boards in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for similar violations.

Amidst this uncertainty, former Bangladesh captain and current ICC Development Officer Aminul Islam has emerged as the leading candidate to take over from Faruque.

Aminul has reportedly engaged in conversations with senior government officials in Dhaka regarding the possibility of becoming BCB president.

Aminul, who arrived in Dhaka earlier this week, is apparently seeking a three-month grace period from the ICC before assuming the new role.

The next BCB election is slated for October, suggesting a leadership transition is likely before then.

Faruque’s appointment followed a restructuring of the BCB’s board of directors by the National Sports Council (NSC).

Faruque, a former national cricketer with seven ODI appearances, has served in several administrative capacities within Bangladesh cricket, including two terms as chief selector.

His second term concluded in 2016, when he resigned following disagreements over expanding the selection committee.