Ahsan Removed as BCB Director Due to ‘Political Affiliations’, Says NSC’s Executive Director Islam

DHAKA: Ishfaq Ahsan, recently elected as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has been dismissed from his position by governmental decree due to alleged ‘political connections’, according to international reports on Tuesday.

The decision to remove Ahsan, one of the two government representatives on the cricket board, was reportedly enacted by the National Sports Council (NSC), the body responsible for supervising sports within the nation.

Kazi Nazrul Islam, the executive director of the NSC, stated on Monday, “We intend to appoint a new director [on Tuesday]. His removal is attributed to his political links.”

Reports also indicate that the NSC is considering the appointment of a female director to succeed Ahsan.

The BCB election, a day-long event held at a local hotel on Monday, saw Aminul Islam, a former Test batter, elected unopposed as president.

Islam, celebrated as Bangladesh’s first Test centurion, has taken on the role for a four-year term. He had been serving in an interim capacity for approximately six months, since his initial appointment in March 2025.

“I have developed a strong affinity for cricket development,” Aminul shared with reporters.

“My initial involvement was intended to be brief. That was always the intention.

“However, as I launched minor initiatives and witnessed positive results, I found myself unable to abandon that enthusiasm, and I have chosen to continue serving my country in this capacity.”

Former captains Faruque Ahmed and Sakhawat Hossain were also elected as vice presidents without opposition in the board election.