Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam Bulbul has declared himself the “only legitimate president” of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), rejecting the newly formed ad-hoc committee led by former skipper Tamim Iqbal as “unconstitutional and illegal”. His stance has further escalated an already volatile governance crisis within Bangladesh cricket.
The comments came after the National Sports Council (NSC) announced the dissolution of the existing BCB board and the formation of an interim committee. In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday (7 April), Bulbul also dismissed the NSC’s investigative report, calling it legally defective and procedurally invalid.
The dispute has now resulted in competing claims of authority over the country’s cricket administration, raising concerns about institutional stability ahead of key international fixtures and domestic planning.
Table of Contents
Competing claims of authority
| Issue | Bulbul’s position | NSC / Ad-hoc committee position |
|---|---|---|
| BCB presidency | Claims he remains the “only legitimate president” | Board dissolved; interim committee installed |
| Ad-hoc committee | Declared unconstitutional and unlawful | Formed under NSC directive |
| 2025 election validity | Fully valid, transparent, and binding | Subject to NSC review |
| Legal framework | ICC governance and constitutional mandate | State sports regulatory authority |
Defence of the 2025 election
Bulbul defended the Bangladesh Cricket Board election held on 6 October 2025, insisting it was conducted transparently and in full compliance with constitutional procedures.
He stated that the election process was supervised by a three-member commission headed by senior Supreme Court advocate Mohammad Hossain. The panel also included Additional Inspector General of Police Sibgat Ullah and a then senior executive director of the National Sports Council.
According to Bulbul, objections raised over the participation of 15 clubs and the councillorship of Tamim Iqbal were addressed through quasi-judicial hearings held on 24 and 25 September 2025. He argued that these proceedings had already resolved all disputes before the election was conducted, leaving no legal grounds to challenge its outcome.
Allegations of interference
Bulbul strongly condemned the NSC’s intervention, describing it as “ultra vires” and politically motivated. He alleged that the inquiry initiated under Youth and Sports Adviser Aminul Haque was intended not to regulate governance but to dismantle an elected board.
He further argued that, under the constitution of the International Cricket Council (ICC), member boards must operate independently, free from government interference. On that basis, he characterised the current developments as a “constitutional coup” that undermines the autonomy of Bangladesh cricket administration.
Rejection of ad-hoc committee
The former captain rejected the legitimacy of the newly formed ad-hoc committee headed by Tamim Iqbal, stating that his faction does not recognise its authority. He maintained that, until a definitive ruling is issued by the High Court, he remains the duly elected and lawful president of the BCB.
Appeal for ICC intervention
Expressing concern over the broader consequences of the crisis, Bulbul warned that prolonged instability could damage Bangladesh cricket’s international reputation and weaken investor confidence in the sport’s governance structure.
He also cautioned that ongoing uncertainty could disrupt player development pathways and hinder long-term planning for the national team.
Calling for urgent external intervention, he urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to step in and help resolve the dispute, arguing that the current impasse threatens the stability and independence of cricket governance in Bangladesh.
Symbolic visit amid tension
Earlier on the same day, Bulbul, accompanied by former Bangladesh wicketkeeper Khaled Masud Pilot, visited Bangladesh Cricket Board facilities in Purbachal. The visit was widely interpreted as a symbolic assertion of authority amid the escalating leadership conflict.
Escalating administrative deadlock
With rival groups now claiming legitimacy, Bangladesh cricket finds itself in an unprecedented administrative standoff. Legal challenges, institutional disputes, and political scrutiny are expected to intensify in the coming days, with the outcome likely to shape the future governance structure of one of the country’s most influential sporting institutions.