In a dramatic and politically charged development, Farooq Ahmed has been removed from his position as President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after eight board directors passed a no-confidence motion against him. Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam Bulbul has been appointed as the new president, signaling a significant shift in the BCB’s internal power dynamics.
A Sudden Fall from Power – How It Unfolded
Farooq Ahmed, who was appointed as a Ministry-nominated director and elected as BCB President on August 21, 2024, saw his presidency end abruptly after just 9 months and 8 days. The eight board directors submitted a written request to the Ministry of Sports, citing governance failures and violations of board protocols. Following that, the Ministry officially dismissed him.
At the core of this move was the BPL Fact-Finding Committee report, which exposed several irregularities and administrative missteps under Farooq’s leadership.
Key Events Timeline
August 21, 2024
Farooq Ahmed appointed as BCB President after Ministry nomination
October 2024
Farooq unilaterally sacks head coach Chandika Hathurusingha without board approval
Early 2025
Controversial approvals of BPL franchises bypass established protocols
May 2025
BPL Fact-Finding Committee report reveals irregularities
May 29, 2025
Eight directors submit no-confidence motion to Ministry of Sports
May 30, 2025
Ministry officially dismisses Farooq Ahmed; Aminul Islam Bulbul appointed as new BCB President
The Accusations: From BPL Mismanagement to Constitutional Violations
The dissenting directors have levelled serious allegations against Farooq Ahmed, creating a significant controversy in Bangladesh cricket administration.
Key Allegations Against Farooq Ahmed:
- Violation of Article 14B of the BCB constitution by unilaterally sacking head coach Chandika Hathurusingha in October 2024, without board approval.
- Improper approval of BPL franchises—Durbar Rajshahi and Chattogram Kings—for the 2024–25 season, bypassing established protocols.
- Nepotism and favoritism, allegedly appointing individuals based on loyalty rather than merit.
- Failure to develop domestic cricket and deterioration of cricket governance standards.
The eight directors who signed the no-confidence motion include influential names such as Najmul Abedin Fahim, Mahboobul Anam, Qazi Enam Ahmed, and Manzoor Alam, indicating a broad coalition within the board pushing for reform.
Interestingly, former captain and senior official Akram Khan chose neutrality, neither supporting nor opposing the motion—a move seen as politically calculated.
A New Chapter: Aminul Islam Bulbul Takes Charge
In a move that surprised many, the board chose Aminul Islam Bulbul, one of Bangladesh’s most respected former players and the nation’s first Test captain, as the new BCB President. Bulbul’s appointment signals an attempt to restore credibility and introduce cricketing sensibility back into the board’s leadership.
Known for his integrity and international cricket development work, Bulbul’s elevation could also be seen as a clean break from politically affiliated administrators.
Farooq Ahmed: Defiant and Ready to Challenge
Farooq Ahmed, however, has not accepted the decision quietly. He has challenged the legality of the move, stating that:
He has confirmed that he is consulting with legal advisors and may file a case challenging his removal. If pursued, this legal standoff could throw the board into a prolonged power struggle that may affect upcoming cricket operations, including preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Reflection: A Deeper Crisis in BCB Governance?
This episode has once again brought the fragile governance structure of Bangladesh cricket into the spotlight. While the ouster was executed swiftly, it reflects deeper institutional issues such as:
Governance Challenges
- The overlap of political interference and cricketing decisions
- Lack of transparency in key appointments and franchise approvals
- Growing internal rifts between administrators and former players
- Insufficient checks and balances within the board structure
Potential Reforms
- Clearer separation between political appointments and cricket operations
- Enhanced transparency mechanisms for major decisions
- Greater involvement of former cricketers in decision-making
- Constitutional amendments to clarify leadership transition processes
Some experts view the no-confidence move as a corrective action to salvage professionalism, while others worry about increased politicization of the sport’s administration.
Conclusion: A Test of Leadership Ahead
The appointment of Aminul Islam Bulbul offers a chance to bring cricket-first policies back into focus, but much will depend on whether the BCB can now stabilize its internal structure, avoid further legal wrangling, and regain trust among fans and players.
If Farooq Ahmed’s legal challenge succeeds or gains traction, the BCB could once again find itself mired in boardroom battles, distracting from on-field priorities just months ahead of critical international fixtures.
What’s at Stake
The power struggle within the Bangladesh Cricket Board comes at a crucial time when the national team is preparing for upcoming international tournaments. The leadership instability could potentially impact:
- Team preparation and strategy for the T20 World Cup
- Player morale and focus amid administrative uncertainty
- Ongoing domestic cricket development initiatives
- International cricket relationships and scheduling agreements
- Commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals
Cricket Affairs Desk
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