Bangladesh’s first Test centurion and former captain Aminul Islam Bulbul replaces Faruque Ahmed as BCB president following a series of dramatic developments within the board.

Aminul Islam Bulbul, Bangladesh’s first Test centurion and former national cricket team captain, has been appointed as the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The decision was made official on Friday afternoon during a BCB board meeting where the directors voted in favor of Bulbul. Earlier in the day, the National Sports Council (NSC) appointed him as a BCB director, clearing the way for his presidency.

Bulbul’s appointment comes after two days of intense drama and internal turmoil regarding the leadership of the BCB. Speculation began on Wednesday night when reports emerged in the media that Faruque Ahmed was being removed from his post as BCB president. Sources indicated that the government was in favor of a change in leadership. However, as direct government intervention in cricket board matters is prohibited under international cricket governance, Faruque Ahmed was instead asked to resign voluntarily.

Despite the pressure, Faruque Ahmed publicly declared that he had no intention of stepping down. This defiance escalated the situation further, leading to official actions the following day. On Thursday night, around 11 PM, the National Sports Council issued a press release announcing that Faruque Ahmed’s nomination as a BCB director had been revoked. The NSC stated that the decision was taken in accordance with the BCB constitution, and thus, it was legally binding.

The NSC’s decision effectively disqualified Faruque Ahmed from holding any official position within the BCB, including that of the president. Alongside his removal, several allegations surfaced against him, including corruption and administrative irregularities. These accusations reportedly contributed to the NSC’s swift and decisive action.

In response to his dismissal and the allegations, Faruque Ahmed has taken his grievance to the International Cricket Council (ICC), claiming that the move was politically motivated and lacked due process. His appeal to the ICC adds an international dimension to the ongoing controversy within Bangladesh’s cricket administration.

Following his removal, the board moved quickly to fill the vacant position. With the NSC’s appointment of Aminul Islam Bulbul as a director earlier on Friday, the path was cleared for his elevation to the presidency. Bulbul, a respected figure in Bangladesh cricket, played a historic role as the country’s first Test centurion and has long been involved in cricket development, both domestically and internationally.

The BCB directors, in their meeting on Friday afternoon, unanimously selected Bulbul as the new president. His appointment is seen by many as an attempt to bring stability and credibility back to the board amid recent turbulence. Bulbul’s background in cricket and experience in administration are expected to help guide the BCB through this transitional phase.

The leadership crisis has also raised questions about the role of the government and the NSC in the affairs of the BCB. While the NSC insists that it acted within its jurisdiction and in line with the board’s constitution, critics argue that the manner in which Faruque Ahmed was removed sets a troubling precedent for cricket governance in the country.

Aminul Islam Bulbul’s presidency now begins under the shadow of controversy, but with the hope that he can restore focus on the game and steer the BCB through a crucial period. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on how the new leadership addresses both internal reform and external scrutiny, particularly from the ICC, which closely monitors governance standards in its member boards.

The cricketing community and stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether Bulbul can unite the board, ensure transparency, and promote the continued growth of cricket in Bangladesh.