Mahmud Alleges Irregularities Involving Ousted BCB President Faruque

DHAKA: Asif Mahmud, Bangladesh’s sports advisor, announced on Saturday that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has embraced the change in the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) administration, following official notification of the decision.

During a press briefing, Mahmud asserted that effective communication exists between the BCB and ICC, and the apex cricketing body has received the decision positively.

“We have maintained proper contact with the ICC. The newly appointed president also has a substantial history of collaboration with the ICC,” Mahmud noted. “There is no communication barrier. Given the ICC’s understanding of the situation, they have welcomed the change.”

Mahmud further stated that Faruque Ahmed, the recently removed BCB president, was implicated in irregularities according to the sports ministry’s investigative report, which prompted eight BCB directors to submit a no-confidence motion against him.

“The BPL’s fact-finding committee report indicated instances of both irregularity and negligence,” he explained. “Faruque’s involvement was identified. Consequently, eight of the nine BCB directors presented the NSC (National Sports Council) with a no-confidence motion.”

Mahmud clarified his previous comments, reiterating that Faruque’s dismissal stemmed from performance concerns rather than corruption allegations.

“I had a personal discussion with Faruque. His removal wasn’t due to corruption charges,” he stated. “It was purely performance-based. Similar to how a selection committee might exclude an underperforming player, this decision was based on performance.

“The NSC possesses the authority to approve or revoke a [BCB director] nomination. We didn’t dismiss the president directly; we withdrew his directorship, which consequently removed him from the presidency. We nominated another director, and the board adhered to ICC guidelines and the BCB constitution to elect the subsequent president.”

Faruque Ahmed’s removal as BCB president occurred on Friday after the sports ministry rescinded his nomination as its representative on the BCB’s board of directors.

Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam succeeded him, appointed during the board’s emergency session at its headquarters later that day.

During the same session, board directors Nazmul Abedeen Fahim and Fahim Sinha were appointed as vice presidents.