In a major shake-up, the Bangladesh government has appointed former captain Tamim Iqbal as the new President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Tamim will head an 11-member ad-hoc committee tasked with running the board and conducting fresh elections within the next 90 days. The panel includes notable figures such as former Bangladesh captain Minhajul Abedin and ex-cricketer-turned-commentator Athar Ali Khan, along with Rashna Imam, Mirza Yeasir Abbas, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Israfil Khasru, Tanjil Chowdhury, Salman Ispahani, Rafiqul Islam, and Fahim Sinha.
Board dissolved after probe findings
The development follows the dissolution of the Aminul Islam-led BCB board after a government-appointed investigation committee flagged large-scale irregularities in the October elections.
“The investigation found huge irregularities in the last election, and we have formed an ad-hoc committee which will hold elections within 90 days,” a National Sports Council official said.
The matter has also been communicated to the International Cricket Council, with the government awaiting its response.
Mounting pressure and controversies
The BCB had been under increasing scrutiny from the sports ministry over:
- Alleged electoral malpractice
- Political interference and favouritism
- Bangladesh’s absence from a recent T20 World Cup
Former board chief Aminul Islam had earlier insisted he would not step down despite the turmoil, stating his intent to continue serving Bangladesh cricket.
Tamim’s stature and legacy
One of Bangladesh’s modern greats, Tamim brings significant credibility to the role:
- 15,148 international runs (Bangladesh’s highest)
- 8,313 ODI runs – the only Bangladeshi to cross 8000
- 25 international centuries, including a record 14 in ODIs
Having retired in 2023, Tamim now steps into an administrative role at a crucial time, with the responsibility of restoring stability and credibility to Bangladesh cricket.
