Dhaka: The leadership change in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was entirely performance-driven, aimed at halting the gradual decline of the country's cricket.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan emphasized at a media interaction during the national handball championship that the performance of the BCB under Faruque Ahmed had not met expectations. Despite a historic Test series win in Pakistan, the subsequent decline in performance prompted the BCB directors to seek Ahmed's immediate removal as president. Bhuiyan clarified that the decision was based on performance, not corruption.
The nomination of Aminul Islam Bulbul as the new BCB president followed the National Sports Council's (NSC) withdrawal of Faruque Ahmed's directorship. Eight out of the nine current BCB directors expressed no confidence in Ahmed, leading to the leadership change. Bhuiyan assured that the International Cricket Council (ICC) was informed and welcomed the new leadership, dispelling concerns about potential sanctions.
The adviser highlighted that the decision was also influenced by the Independent Inquiry Committee's report on the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and issues like the Durber Rajshahi franchise's payment problems, which had embarrassed the government. Despite claims of government interference, Bhuiyan maintained that the changes were made in line with ICC guidelines and the BCB constitution, with no direct government intervention.
Bhuiyan concluded by acknowledging the ICC's awareness and appreciation of the new leadership, reiterating the need for administrative changes to address the national concern over the declining state of Bangladeshi cricket.