BCB warns Bangladesh government against interfering in board matters

BCB has warned the Bangladesh government not to interfere in the board’s affairs after the Sports Ministry set up an inquiry committee to probe allegations of irregularities during BCB’s elections last year. The ICC has previously suspended cricket boards such as those in Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka due to government interference.

BCB said in a statement on Monday that it was willing to speak with the athletic department about the “context, intent and possible impact of the notice.”

The Sports Ministry has set up a five-member body and given 15 working days from March 11 to investigate allegations of “fraud, rigging and abuse of power” in the election in which Aminul Islam was re-elected as BCB president.

“In this context, this matter was raised informally in discussions with senior representatives of the ICC leadership,” the BCB said in a statement. “It has been pointed out that developments that could be construed as interference with the work of democratically elected cricket boards may raise concerns about governance within the international cricket system.

“Given the potential impact on Bangladesh cricket at the international level, the BCB believes it is important that this matter is addressed with appropriate caution and transparency. Before initiating any formal communication or proceedings with the ICC, the BCB believes it is appropriate to engage directly with the National Sports Council to seek clarification on the context, intent and possible impact of the gazette.”

BCB has asked the Sports Ministry to completely close the inquiry committee, which the board believes will protect Bangladesh cricket.

“BCB has therefore requested the National Sports Council to conclude this matter in a manner that protects the stability, independence and continued development of Bangladesh cricket while ensuring that the country’s place within the international cricket community is fully protected,” the BCB said in a statement.

A question mark over the BCB elections arose after former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal accused Aminul of interference after the BCB president asked the Sports Ministry in a signed letter to replace lawmakers from certain districts. Tamim also claimed that BCB had extended the nomination submission date twice.

While the election was underway, allegations of election rigging were made by Tamim and a number of Dhaka club officials. Just hours after the results were announced, the then sports ministry was forced to withdraw its nomination to the BCB board. This was after his past political connections were revealed on social media.

After the election, a significant portion of the Dhaka clubs that make up Category 2 in the BCB elections termed the current BCB board as “illegitimate”. They also boycotted the Dhaka League for the 2025-26 season.

Source Link : https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1528129.html?ex_cid=OTC-RSS

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